Universal Clamping Bridge for Camera Support Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera accessory holding apparatuses are not universal in use and require multiple configurations for different support tube diameters and spacings, necessitating separate clamping elements and actuation devices, which complicates operation and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A holding apparatus with a bridge part having two pairs of openings for support tubes of different spacings, equipped with movable clamping elements and a single actuation device that can lock support tubes of various diameters and spacings, allowing for universal use without the need for multiple clamping elements and actuation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate clamping elements and actuation devices are used for different support tube diameters and spacings, then the holding apparatus can accommodate various support tube systems, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed with multiple clamping sections that can adapt to different support tube diameters and spacings. Each clamping section has adjustable clamping surfaces that can be positioned to match various tube dimensions, allowing a single clamping element to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping sections are made movable relative to the clamping element body, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping surfaces. This dynamic configuration enables the same clamping element to accommodate different support tube configurations by repositioning the clamping sections to appropriate locations
2Reliability
If multiple specialized clamping elements are provided for different support tube configurations, then each configuration can be locked securely, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to select and change clamping elements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping sections are pre-positioned on the clamping element at locations corresponding to different support tube configurations. Before operation, the appropriate clamping section is selected and positioned, so that during actual use, the operator simply needs to activate the single actuation device rather than selecting between multiple different clamping elements
3Ease of operation
If a single actuation device controls multiple clamping sections, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to the force-transmitting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping sections are connected through a common force-transmitting mechanism that integrates them into a single coordinated unit. The actuation device applies force that is distributed through this mechanism to all clamping sections simultaneously, combining multiple clamping actions into one operational input
Data Source
AI summary
A holding apparatus for fastening camera accessory parts to a camera system can be fastened to support tubes of the camera system. The holding apparatus comprises a bridge part which has two pairs of openings for receiving support tubes, with the openings of the one pair differing from the openings of the other pair at least with respect to their spacing; at least one pair of clamping elements which are provided at the bridge part and are movable at least between a clamping position and a release position, with the clamping elements locking support tubes received in the openings at the bridge part in the clamping position of said clamping elements; and an actuation device which is configured to move the clamping elements together. The clamping elements have different clamping sections which are configured to lock support tubes of different diameter and/or different spacing at the bridge part.