Rotatable Optical Device Housing with Universal Mounting Platform

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotatable light and camera systems are limited to single-use applications, lack interchangeability, and do not allow for continuous horizontal rotation or manual adjustment of vertical tilt without damaging the unit or its drive systems.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable mounting system with a base gasket, base plate, bearing, yokes, and motors for continuous 360° rotation and vertical tilt, enabling interchangeable optical devices like LEDs, HID lamps, and cameras, with manual adjustment and speed control features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing rotatable light and camera systems are used, then single-use applications are supported, but interchangeability of devices is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice interchangeabilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of optical devices (lights, cameras, sensors) through a standardized housing structure. The housing includes a common mounting platform and interface mechanism that works with different device types, enabling one mounting system to serve multiple functions and support device interchangeability without requiring device-specific mounting mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation is allowed for vertical tilt adjustment, then positioning flexibility is improved, but potential harm to the unit and drive systems occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual positioning flexibilityVSAvoiddrive system integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control mechanisms that detect manual manipulation attempts and respond appropriately. When manual adjustment is detected, the system temporarily disengages or overrides the drive motors to allow free movement, then re-engages them to maintain position. This dynamic switching between manual and motorized control allows operators to reposition devices safely without risking damage to the drive systems from conflicting forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If continuous horizontal rotation is provided, then coverage area is increased, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizontal coverageVSAvoidrotation control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal rotation system incorporates automatic positioning features that reduce control complexity. The system includes sensors that detect the desired rotation position and automatically adjust the mounting platform to the correct orientation. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining full 360-degree rotational coverage, as the system autonomously manages its own positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9539952B2Rotatable optical device housing and mounting platform
Publication Date: 2017.01.10 GEBRHARD ALBERT W
  • US9539952B2 patent drawing
  • US9539952B2 patent drawing
  • US9539952B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotatable optical device housing and mounting platform is disclosed. The optical device housing includes a bezel, front housing and rear housing. The optical device housing can include a number of lighting devices, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, halogen lights, incandescent lights, or imaging devices, such as cameras, while utilizing the same bezel, front housing and rear housing. The depicted device can include a vertical tilt, which is adjustable either manually or electronically. A slip ring system provides continuous 360 rotation ability, with controllable and adjustable speed settings. Alternatively, a stop can be used instead of the slip ring, wherein the stop serves as a point of reversal of the unit's rotation. The unit contains an optional home position, allowing a user to select a point in the horizontal rotation to which the unit will return at the touch of a button.