Rotatable Camera Mounting Plate with Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera carrying devices, such as straps and body-mounted cases, are either cumbersome or limit access to camera features, and existing holsters are not suitable for larger cameras or allow for easy operation at chest level.
Innovation Solution
A device with a female and male connector system that allows a camera to be rotatably mounted on a person's chest, featuring a U-shaped slot and threaded member for secure engagement with a camera's tripod receiver, along with a strap assembly for hands-free operation and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a strap is used to carry the camera, then the camera can be carried around the neck or shoulder, but the camera swings freely and may become damaged upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the camera carrying function into two separate components: a body-mounted case for protection and a camera mounting mechanism with rotatable plate for secure attachment and access. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism incorporates a rotatable plate that can pivot between a first position (secured to case) and a second position (releasable from case). This dynamic element enables the camera to be quickly accessed while maintaining secure attachment during carrying.
2Reliability
If a body-mounted camera case is used, then the camera is protected from damage, but the time required to remove the camera prevents taking desired pictures in fluid situations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable plate mechanism transitions from a static case to a dynamic mounting system. When the plate rotates to the second position, the camera becomes releasable from the case without requiring full removal, enabling rapid access while maintaining protection during carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is pre-mounted on the rotatable plate which is then attached to the case. This preliminary mounting allows the camera to be quickly deployed by simply rotating the plate, eliminating the time-consuming process of removing the camera from the case.
3Ease of operation
If a waist-mounted holster is used, then the camera can be carried on the waist, but it is awkward for larger cameras and difficult to operate features at waist level
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate cameras of various sizes. The rotatable plate and case structure provide a standardized interface that works with different camera formats, from compact to professional-sized cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from waist-level mounting to chest-level mounting, changing the vertical dimension of camera carriage. This dimensional change brings the camera to a more ergonomic height for operating features while maintaining secure attachment through the case structure.
4Ease of operation
If the camera is made freely rotatable within the U-shaped slot, then easy access to camera features is enabled, but accidental decoupling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable plate provides dynamic rotation within the U-shaped slot for easy access to camera features. The locking mechanism adds a controlled element to this dynamics, allowing the plate to rotate freely when needed while preventing accidental decoupling through the engagement of locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rotatable plate and the case. It mediates between the need for free rotation (for accessibility) and the need for secure attachment (for reliability), engaging to prevent decoupling while allowing rotation when unlocked.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for rotatably mounting a camera on a person carrying a bag comprises a body with lateral flaps on opposite sides thereof. The lateral flaps are foldable along lines of weakness to allow the device to hug a strap of the bag. A female connector is disposed on the body and has a U-shaped slot defined by a curved pocket and a pair of opposed channels which extend from the pocket. The male connector has a plate and threaded member extending from the plate. The threaded member is for engaging a threaded female tripod receiver of the camera extending from the plate. The plate is slidably received by the U-shaped slot of the female connector and the plate is freely rotatable within the U-shaped slot of the female connector.