Spring-Loaded Sprocket Stick for Dome Camera Horizontal Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dome cameras face difficulties in adjusting the horizontal tilt of the optical train after or during installation, especially when mounted to walls, ceilings, or inclined surfaces, as existing adjustment mechanisms are cumbersome and lack precise locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A horizontal adjustment assembly comprising a spring-loaded sprocket stick, gearwheel, upper turn plate, and turn plate, which allows for secure locking and unlocking to adjust the optical train's angle of view, enabling precise horizontal adjustment of the camera's line of sight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring-loaded sprocket stick with gearwheel mechanism is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded sprocket stick automatically locks the gearwheel in place without requiring additional locking components. The spring force engages the stick with the gearwheel teeth, providing self-locking functionality that maintains reliability while avoiding complex multi-component locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler spring-loaded engagement mechanism. The spring force provides sufficient holding power to maintain the optical train position without requiring bolts, screws, or multi-part locking assemblies, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the optical train is suspended with damping characteristics, then the protection against impact is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidsuspension system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system incorporates damping characteristics that absorb impact energy before it reaches the optical train. This beforehand cushioning protects the sensitive optical components from damage during installation or accidental impacts without requiring complex protective housings or additional shock-absorbing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension and damping functions are merged into a single integrated system that holds the optical train while providing impact protection. Rather than adding separate mounting brackets and shock absorbers, the patent combines these functions into one compact assembly that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is mounted to inclined or angular surfaces, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement precision of horizontal tilt adjustment worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting surface adaptabilityVSAvoidhorizontal tilt adjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to adjust the camera on an inclined surface to achieve horizontal alignment, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the mounting surface to be at any angle and providing horizontal adjustment capability that works independently of the mounting orientation. The adjustment mechanism compensates for the inclined mounting angle to achieve precise horizontal tilt measurement and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 easy and precise horizontal adjustment of the camera's optical train, ensuring accurate angle settings and secure locking positions, facilitating installation on various surfaces without compromising the camera's protection.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded to guarantee the lock position. In that case the stick or sprocket stick can be locked by the spring. The spring load has to be overcome to unlock the stick.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9568809B2Adjustment arrangement
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US9568809B2 patent drawing
  • US9568809B2 patent drawing
  • US9568809B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides for an adjustment arrangement (10) for a camera. The adjustment arrangement (10) comprises a turn plate (20), an upper turn plate (18), a stick (12) and a gearwheel (14).