Spring-Loaded Friction Mount for One-Handed Camera Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounts for small electronic devices, such as wireless cameras, lack ease of directional adjustability and secure position retention, often requiring two hands and being time-consuming to adjust, with potential for unintentional camera movement during tightening.
Innovation Solution
A directionally adjustable mounting device with a housing, bearing, and spring mechanism that allows for frictional engagement and release, enabling one-handed angular repositioning of the camera without loosening clamps, using a curved annular surface and threaded rod for secure attachment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded bolt clamp mechanism is used to secure the camera, then secure camera position retention is achieved, but the camera requires two hands to adjust and is time-consuming to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device transitions from a static clamped state to a dynamic adjustable state through spring-loaded friction engagement. The spring mechanism allows the bearing to dynamically adjust between secured and movable states, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining secure positioning when adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional engagement force between the bearing and clamp is made variable through the spring mechanism. By changing the compression state of the spring, the system transitions between high friction (secured) and low friction (adjustable) states, allowing easy repositioning without compromising position retention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a threaded bolt clamp is tightened to secure the camera, then position stability is improved, but the camera may unintentionally move and require re-adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded bearing automatically self-adjusts to the camera's position without requiring manual intervention. When the camera is placed on the mounting device, the spring compresses and the bearing naturally engages with the clamp, eliminating the need for manual tightening that could cause misalignment.
3Reliability
If a ball and joint style bracket with threaded bolt is used, then secure mounting is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device merges the ball-and-socket joint, spring mechanism, and friction clamp into a single integrated bearing assembly. This consolidation maintains secure mounting functionality while significantly reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the spherical joint for angular adjustment, the friction interface for securing the camera, and the movable element for the spring-loaded engagement mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 easy angular adjustments, reducing the need for two hands and minimizing the risk of camera misalignment, allowing for precise directional control without the need for re-tightening.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is located within the housing and is configured to bias the hearing into frictional engagement with the socket with sufficient force to inhibit movement of the mounting device
Implementation Method 2
A spring is located within the housing and is configured to bias the hearing into frictional engagement with the socket
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 mounting rod extending from a rotatable bearing. The hearing is biased into frictional contact with a socket by a spring to inhibit movement of the camera relative to the mount housing. The mount is configured to receive an opposing force on the bearing to overcome the spring force and allow the electronic device to be repositioned.