Spring Clamp with Arcuate Jaws for Secure Camera Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera mounting systems fail to securely attach heavy decoy cameras to various structural supports like trees and posts, especially in rough or uneven surfaces, and lack adjustability for optimal photography angles.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded clamp with inward-facing arcuate jaws and threaded inserts, combined with a swivel mount featuring a ball and socket joint, allows for secure attachment to longitudinal structures and adjustable positioning, including the use of elastomeric jaw covers for enhanced grip on smooth surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional camera mounting system is used, then the mounting process is simple, but the clamp cannot securely attach heavy decoy cameras to rough or uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple functional segments: spring-loaded mechanism for adaptive pressure, arcuate jaws with gripping teeth for rough surfaces, and threaded inserts for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in addressing specific mounting challenges, achieving reliable attachment to uneven surfaces without requiring an overly complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp combines multiple materials with complementary properties: spring steel for the loading mechanism (providing elastic energy storage), hard gripping teeth (for penetrating rough surfaces), and threaded inserts (for precise positioning). This composite approach enables the single clamp structure to simultaneously address multiple attachment requirements that would otherwise demand separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the camera cannot be positioned at optimal angles for photography
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The spring-loaded clamp allows the jaws to flex and adapt to various surface geometries, while the integrated camera mount enables angular adjustment. This dynamic capability provides positioning flexibility without requiring multiple separate mounting devices for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides: (1) secure attachment to rough surfaces via arcuate jaws with teeth, (2) flexible positioning through spring-loaded adjustment, and (3) camera mounting at various angles via the integrated mount. This universality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized mounting solutions.
3Reliability
If a light-weight clamp is used, then the device portability is improved, but the clamp cannot securely hold heavy decoy cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism acts as a counterbalancing system that generates sufficient clamping force to counteract the weight of heavy decoy cameras. Rather than relying solely on the clamp's structural mass to provide holding power, the elastic energy stored in the spring mechanism generates the necessary force to secure heavy loads, allowing the clamp itself to remain relatively lightweight while maintaining high holding capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The clamp provides a sturdy, adjustable, and versatile mounting solution that securely holds heavy cameras on rough surfaces and allows for flexible positioning, ensuring reliable operation in outdoor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded clamp with inward-facing arcuate jaws
Implementation Method 2
The clamp is spring loaded and includes a gripping tip
Implementation Method 3
Inward facing arcuate jaws with gripping teeth and notches are designed to afford the clamp with a secure, grasping capability
Implementation Method 4
The teeth and notches are hard and are capable of digging into tree bark or other soft material
Implementation Method 5
elastomeric jaw covers for enhanced grip on smooth surfaces
Implementation Method 6
a swivel mount featuring a ball and socket joint, allows for secure attachment to longitudinal structures and adjustable positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A spring clamp for removably attaching a camera, decoy or other device to a structural support. The clamp includes two opposing arms, each including a handle component and a jaw component. The clamp can be attached to an apparatus when the two jaw components including Inward facing arcuate jaws with gripping teeth and notches are closed around the apparatus. The clamp is provided with a plurality of threaded inserts at selected positions for supporting a device such as a camera. An adjustable and positionable extension may be removably fastened to the camera mount and the camera is detachably coupled to the extension. This allows an article such as a camera to be situated at any desired angle for taking photographs.