Universal Wear Mount Using Mechanical Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for cameras on public safety personnel face challenges such as high costs due to the need for strong magnets, premature failure in adverse environmental conditions, and the requirement for modifications to clothing.
Innovation Solution
A mount system comprising a front plate and a back plate, where the front plate engages the back plate over an article of wear, allowing for universal coupling of accessories to various articles of wear without modifying them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If magnetic mounts are used to provide strong attractive forces, then the mounting strength is improved, but the cost increases due to expensive neodymium rare earth magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based mounting system with a mechanical interlock system consisting of a front plate, back plate, and coupling feature. This mechanical system eliminates the need for expensive neodymium rare earth magnets while providing equivalent or superior mounting strength through physical interlocking mechanisms.
2Force
If magnetic mounts are used, then the attractive force is strong over thin clothing, but the attractive force rapidly decreases as distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical coupling feature as an intermediary between the front and back plates, which maintains a consistent engagement geometry regardless of the thickness or material of the intervening clothing. This mechanical intermediary eliminates the inverse-square law decay characteristic of magnetic fields, allowing reliable mounting over both thin and thick clothing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive mounts are used, then the mounting is robust and versatile, but the adhesive mount may fail prematurely in cold temperatures, immersion in liquids, and exposure to chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical interlock system using front and back plates with coupling features. This mechanical system eliminates the reliability issues associated with adhesives in extreme environments (cold temperatures, liquids, chemicals) while maintaining versatile applicability across different clothing types.
4Strength
If adhesive mounts with permanent adhesives are used, then the mounting is robust, but the adhesive may damage uniforms upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent adhesive bonding with a mechanical coupling system consisting of interlocking front and back plates. This mechanical system provides equivalent mounting strength while allowing for clean removal without damaging the uniform, as there are no chemical adhesives that bond permanently to the fabric.
5Strength
If mechanical interlock systems requiring alterations to clothing are used, then the mounting is secure, but additional resources are required and all articles of clothing must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mechanical mounting system with front and back plates that can be attached to any article of clothing without requiring modifications. The coupling features engage through existing clothing structures (buttons, zippers, seams, or fabric loops) making the system adaptable to all types of uniforms and garments without needing custom alterations for each clothing item.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mount for coupling to an article of wear comprises a back plate configured to engage a front plate over the article of wear. The back plate comprises a first structure and a second structure. The front plate comprises a base configured to receive an accessory, a slide slidably engaged with the base, and a swing rotatably engaged with the base. The base comprises a third structure and a first latch feature. The slide comprises a fourth structure and a first coupler. The swing comprises a second coupler and a second latch feature. The slide is configured to move to engage the third structure with the first structure and the fourth structure with the second structure. The swing is configured to rotate to engage the first coupler with the second coupler and the first latch feature with the second latch feature.