Segmented Camera Mount Arm for Extended Reach and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional camera mounts limit user maneuverability and field of view, especially when users need to maintain a distance from the camera, as they are typically rigid and attached to the user's body or objects, restricting flexibility and visibility in capturing images or videos.
Innovation Solution
A foldable camera mountable arm with multiple segments connected by hinge joints, allowing the camera to be positioned in various configurations, including an outstretched and folded position, providing increased separation and flexibility while preventing inadvertent collapse, and optionally integrating a tripod appendage for diverse usage scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a rigid mounting pole is used to maintain separation between user and camera, then the user can maintain minimum separation from the camera, but the user's maneuverability is limited and the pole is visible within captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting pole is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the pole to achieve greater extended length for camera separation while remaining compact when retracted, improving maneuverability without sacrificing separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid mounting pole is replaced with a dynamic telescopic pole that can change its length and configuration. The pole transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a flexible multi-segment structure that can be extended when separation is needed and retracted when maneuverability is prioritized
2Length of moving object
If a rigid mounting pole is used to maintain separation between user and camera, then the camera can be positioned at a distance, but the pole is visible within captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic pole segments are designed with different properties - some segments are transparent or translucent to match the environment and reduce visibility in captured images, while other segments maintain structural integrity. This local quality variation allows the pole to fulfill its support function while minimizing its visual impact
3Reliability
If traditional camera mounts are attached to user's body or objects, then the camera can be secured safely, but the camera is in close physical proximity to the user, limiting field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system transitions from two-dimensional attachment to the user's body to three-dimensional extension using a telescopic pole. This dimensional change allows the camera to be positioned in space away from the user's body, expanding the field of view while maintaining secure attachment through the pole structure
Data Source
AI summary
A camera mountable arm includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment includes a recess extending substantially along a length of the first segment, and is configured to detachably couple to a camera. The first segment is rotatably coupled to the second segment and the second segment is rotatably coupled to the third segment. The arm is operable in a plurality of positions, including: a folded position, where the first, second, and third segments are aligned to be mutually length-wise parallel such that the second segment is enclosed within the recess along the first segment, and the first and second segments are substantially flush with the third segment; and an outstretched position, where the first and second segments are separated by a first angular displacement and the second and third segments by a second angular displacement.