Trail Camera Housing with Integrated Compass and Bubble Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trail cameras often capture low-quality images due to improper positioning, resulting in sun glare and unlevel horizons, which affects photo quality and triggers the motion sensor unnecessarily.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing element containing a compass and bubble level is used to level and orient trail cameras, ensuring they face the correct direction and are mounted at a level position, preventing sun glare and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If trail camera is positioned without proper orientation tools, then installation is simple and quick, but sun glare occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a compass and bubble level directly into the camera housing before deployment. These orientation tools are pre-installed and pre-positioned, allowing users to immediately level and orient the camera without requiring separate tools or complex setup procedures. The tools are integrated into the housing structure itself, making the orientation function available from the moment of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera housing itself provides the orientation tools needed for proper installation. The bubble level and compass are built-in components that enable the user to self-level and self-orient the camera without external assistance or additional equipment. The housing structure includes the necessary reference surfaces and mounting features for these tools.
2Ease of operation
If trail camera is positioned without proper orientation tools, then installation process is simple, but image quality and photo aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bubble level, compass, and camera housing into a single integrated unit. The orientation tools are not separate accessories but are merged with the housing structure itself. This integration allows the user to perform orientation functions directly through the housing without requiring additional tools or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing provides its own orientation capabilities through built-in bubble level and compass components. The user can independently level and orient the camera using these integrated tools without requiring external assistance, specialized equipment, or complex procedures. The housing structure includes the necessary reference surfaces and mounting features for these tools.
3Device complexity
If trail camera is positioned without proper orientation, then installation is straightforward, but motion sensor triggers unnecessarily due to sun glare
Solution Approach 1:
The compass and bubble level are pre-installed in the housing, enabling users to perform orientation adjustments during the initial installation process. This preliminary orientation action prevents sun glare from triggering the motion sensor later during normal operation. The tools are positioned and ready for use before the camera is deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing provides built-in orientation tools that enable the user to independently adjust the camera's orientation during installation. The bubble level and compass allow the user to self-correct any orientation issues without requiring external assistance or additional equipment, ensuring proper positioning to prevent false sensor triggers.
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 effectively prevents sun glare and ensures level images, enhancing the quality of captured photos and reducing unnecessary sensor triggers.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic compass mounted in the first cavity of the housing element, wherein the compass is configured for use in directionally orienting the trail camera in a target direction
Implementation Method 2
a bubble level mounted in the second cavity of the housing element; wherein the housing element comprises at least one flat surface which is placed against a flat surface of a trail camera housing to determine a level position of the trail camera housing using the bubble level
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are provided for leveling and orienting a trail camera mounted to a stationary object such as tree. For example, a device for leveling and orienting a trail camera includes a housing element comprising a first cavity and a second cavity formed in an upper surface of the housing element, a compass mounted in the first cavity of the housing element, wherein the compass is configured for use in directionally orienting the trail camera in a target direction, and a bubble level mounted in the second cavity of the housing element. The housing element includes at least one flat surface which is placed against a flat surface of a trail camera housing to determine a level position of the trail camera housing using the bubble level.