Toggle Control Mechanism for Waterproof Camera Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof cases for cameras are inconvenient to operate, especially underwater, due to the need for pressing buttons which requires significant force and can lead to accidental button activations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional control device for waterproof camera cases that operates by toggling instead of pressing, utilizing a mechanism with a first toggle knob, trigger lever, transmission rod, and transmission sliding block to activate camera buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressing buttons are used on the waterproof case operation pad, then the camera can be operated, but significant force is required making operation inconvenient especially when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the operation mechanism from pressing buttons to toggling switches. Instead of applying compressive force to activate buttons, the user pulls or pushes toggle switches to change their state, which activates the corresponding camera functions. This inversion fundamentally changes the interaction from force-intensive pressing to lighter toggling motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from linear pressing motion to rotational/toggling motion. The toggle switches convert the user's pulling or pushing motion into rotational movement that actuates the camera buttons through a transmission mechanism, making the operation more suitable for gloved hands and underwater conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If direction buttons are located close to the center button on the operation pad, then the pad is compact, but it is easy for users to accidentally touch other buttons in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by providing separate toggle switches for each direction (up, down, left, right) and the center button. Each toggle switch is independently positioned and operated, physically separating the control actions spatially and temporally, which prevents accidental activation of adjacent buttons that would occur with a compact button layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces toggle switches as intermediary elements between the user and the camera buttons. These switches act as mediators that convert user input into controlled button activations, providing an additional layer of control that reduces the likelihood of accidental touches compared to direct button pressing on a compact pad.
3Productivity
If traditional pressing buttons are used, then the camera functions can be activated, but operation requires significant effort and is not labor-saving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the operational mechanism from pressing to toggling, where users pull or push the toggle switches rather than pressing buttons. This inversion reduces the force required for operation while maintaining full functionality of camera controls, making the operation more efficient and less tiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle switches are designed to return to their original position automatically after being actuated, thanks to the elastic component. This self-resetting mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually return buttons to their initial state, reducing operational effort and improving efficiency.
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 solution provides a labor-saving and ergonomic operation method that aligns with user habits, reducing the effort required for operation and minimizing accidental button activations.
Implementation Method 1
the first rotary rod is provided with a reset torsion spring
Implementation Method 2
the first rotary rod is provided with a reset torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
the transmission rod is provided with a roller configured to push the transmission sliding block
Implementation Method 4
the trigger lever has a fulcrum; the trigger lever is provided with an action section that rotates around the fulcrum
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a multi-directional control device applied to a waterproof case of a camera, which includes a direction button driving mechanism, wherein the direction button driving mechanism is provided with a first toggle knob, a trigger lever, a transmission rod, and a transmission sliding block; the trigger lever has a fulcrum; the trigger lever is provided with an action section that rotates around the fulcrum; the action section is provided with a trigger part and a load-bearing part; the first toggle knob is connected with a first rotary rod; the first rotary rod is provided with a first push block; the transmission rod is provided with a roller; and the transmission sliding block is provided with a pressing part.