Threaded Camera Mount With Reinforced Fold-Out Interconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices have limited compatibility with accessories due to specific interconnect mechanisms, necessitating the use of adapters for various connections.
Innovation Solution
The image capture device incorporates a threaded accessory interface with a reconfigurable interconnect mechanism featuring pivotable fingers and a reinforcement member to facilitate direct connections to a variety of accessories, while preventing damage from over-tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specific interconnect mechanism is used in image capture devices, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but compatibility with various accessories is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect mechanism is designed with a universal threaded accessory interface that can directly connect to various accessories with different interconnect types (tripods, wrist straps, vests, hats, helmets, surfboards, motorcycle handlebars, etc.), eliminating the need for multiple specific connection mechanisms and adapters while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect mechanism is divided into functional segments: a base plate with threaded receptacle for accessory connection, a reinforcement member for structural support, and pivotable fingers for securing the accessory, allowing each component to perform its specific function efficiently
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used to increase compatibility with different accessories, then accessory versatility is improved, but device complexity and the need for additional components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded accessory interface on the base plate serves as a universal connection point that directly accommodates various accessory types without requiring separate adapters, reducing the total component count while maintaining broad compatibility across different accessory categories
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the compatibility function from multiple specialized adapters and consolidates it into a single universal threaded interface, removing the need for separate adapter components while preserving the ability to connect to diverse accessories
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interconnect mechanism allows direct threaded connection to accessories, then compatibility is enhanced, but the risk of damage from over-tightening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is pre-installed on the device body before the interconnect mechanism is assembled, providing structural reinforcement and damage protection in advance, so that if over-tightening occurs during accessory connection, the reinforcement member absorbs the excessive force and prevents penetration or damage to the device body
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member acts as a preliminary protective barrier that counteracts the harmful effect of over-tightening forces before they can reach and damage the device body, effectively neutralizing the potential harm from excessive tightening
4Reliability
If the interconnect mechanism is made robust to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is strategically placed only in the specific region where the interconnect mechanism attaches to the device body, providing localized reinforcement and damage protection exactly where needed, rather than strengthening the entire device structure, thus minimizing the added weight
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
Enhances compatibility and safety by allowing direct connections to diverse accessories without adapters and protecting the device from penetration during excessive tightening.
Implementation Method 1
a cover that is removably connected to the base plate and which is configured to thermally insulate the interconnect mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device that includes a body and an interconnect mechanism that is connected to the body. The interconnect mechanism includes: a base plate defining a receptacle that is configured to threadably engage an accessory such that the image capture device is directly connectable to the accessory via the interconnect mechanism; a cover that is removably connected to the base plate and which is configured to thermally insulate the interconnect mechanism; and first and second fingers that are pivotably connected to the base plate about first and second pivot axes such that the interconnect mechanism is reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration, in which the first and second fingers are nested within the body of the image capture device, and an extended configuration, in which the first and second fingers extend outwardly from the body of the image capture device.