Spring-Loaded Camera Mount for One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounting systems require two hands to adjust and often result in unintentional camera orientation changes due to the need for two-handed operation, making it difficult to securely position and reposition small cameras like wireless network cameras for security systems.
Innovation Solution
A directionally adjustable mounting device with a housing and a bearing that uses a spring to secure the camera in place, allowing for one-handed adjustment by overcoming the spring's biasing force to reposition the camera and then securing it back into frictional engagement for stable retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded bolt clamp mechanism is used to secure the camera, then the camera position is retained securely, but the camera requires two hands to adjust and reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded bearing automatically engages with the socket to secure the camera position without requiring manual intervention. When the camera is released after positioning, the spring automatically pushes the bearing into the socket, locking the position without needing a second hand to tighten a clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions between two states: engaged (secure retention) and disengaged (free adjustment). The user periodically activates the mechanism by overcoming spring force to disengage, adjusts the camera, then releases it to re-engage, creating a rhythmic adjust-secure cycle that simplifies operation.
2Reliability
If a threaded bolt clamp is tightened to secure the camera, then position retention is improved, but the camera may unintentionally move and require re-adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded bearing automatically engages with the socket to secure the camera position without requiring manual intervention. When the camera is released after positioning, the spring automatically pushes the bearing into the socket, locking the position without needing a second hand to tighten a clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to provide continuous pressure on the bearing, keeping it in constant contact with the socket. This preliminary action ensures the camera is securely retained without requiring additional tightening actions that could cause unwanted movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ball and joint bracket with threaded clamp is used, then the camera can be directionally adjusted, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded bearing automatically engages with the socket to secure the camera position without requiring manual intervention. When the camera is released after positioning, the spring automatically pushes the bearing into the socket, locking the position without needing a second hand to tighten a clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism dynamically transitions between a locked state (bearing engaged with socket) and an unlocked state (bearing disengaged from socket). This dynamic behavior allows the camera to be securely held during normal operation but easily repositioned when needed, reducing overall adjustment time.
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
Enables secure camera position retention with ease of angular adjustment, allowing users to position and reposition small cameras like wireless network cameras without the need for two hands, reducing the risk of unintentional orientation changes.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is located within the housing and is configured to bias the bearing into frictional engagement with the socket
Implementation Method 2
bias the bearing into frictional engagement with the socket with sufficient force to inhibit movement
Implementation Method 3
opposing force on the bearing of sufficient magnitude to overcome the biasing force imposed by the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A directionally adjustable mounting device is disclosed for use with a small electronic device such as a wireless camera. Also disclosed is a method of using the mounting device. The mounting device has a housing for receiving the camera extending from and rotatable about bearing. A socket of the housing is biased into frictional contact with the bearing by a spring to inhibit movement of the camera relative to the bearing. The mount is configured to receive an opposing force on the housing to overcome the spring force and allow the camera to be repositioned.