Uniform Camera Coupler With Mechanical Interlock Against Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic mechanisms for securing body cameras on uniforms are inadequate due to the need for strong magnets, which can cause discomfort and risk the camera being dislodged by lateral movement, and may accidentally attach to fingers.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system comprising a base plate and a clip made from rigid materials, designed to engage with the uniform without damaging it, using a series of actions to interlock and secure the camera, preventing unintentional decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong magnets are used to hold the camera in place, then the camera can be securely attached to the shirt, but the mechanism becomes painful and may accidentally attach to fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based attachment mechanism with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of a base plate with protrusions and a corresponding cover with recesses. This mechanical system provides secure attachment without the harmful effects of strong magnets, eliminating the risk of accidental finger attachment and user discomfort while maintaining reliable camera security.
2Ease of manufacture
If magnets are used to secure the camera through the shirt material, then the camera can be attached without damaging the shirt, but lateral movement can dislodge the camera from the interior magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic two-component system where the base plate is attached to the shirt and the cover is snap-fit onto the base plate. This allows the attachment mechanism to adapt to lateral movements while maintaining secure connection through the interlocking protrusion-recess geometry, preventing camera dislodgement during normal wear and movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is divided into two separate components: a base plate that attaches to the shirt and a cover that secures the camera. This segmentation allows the base plate to remain stationary on the shirt while the cover provides additional lateral stability, preventing camera dislodgement without requiring strong magnets that could damage the shirt.
3Reliability
If a magnetic mechanism is used to hold the camera, then the camera can be attached to the uniform, but the mechanism may accidentally close on the user's finger causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic attraction mechanism with a mechanical snap-fit system using protrusions and recesses. This eliminates the invisible magnetic field that can accidentally attract and close on fingers, providing a safe mechanical connection that requires deliberate manual operation to engage or disengage, thereby preventing accidental finger pinching while maintaining reliable camera attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for coupling to a provided article of wear comprises a base plate and a clip. The coupler may be configured to provide a mount interface on an article of wear for an accessory to mount to. The base plate may comprise one or more structures configured to engage one or more respective portions of the clip over the provided article of wear. The clip may be shaped to interlock with the structures of the base plate. The clip may engage the base plate in a series of actions. The series of actions may be repeated in reverse to disengage the clip from the base plate. The series of actions for disengaging the clip from the base plate may reduce a likelihood of the clip in being unintentionally decoupled from the base plate, thereby increasing a likelihood that the coupler remains coupled to an article of wear.