Wedge-Shaped Trail Camera Mount for Stable Tree Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trail cameras often face difficulties in achieving stable and accurate positioning on uneven tree surfaces, leading to impaired viewing capabilities due to wind and environmental factors, and challenges in directing the lens towards attractants or prey.
Innovation Solution
A wedge-shaped apparatus with concave back edges and textured surfaces for engagement with tree trunks or branches, allowing for adjustable stacking to achieve desired angles and secure camera positioning, combined with optional straps for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trail camera is secured to a tree using a strap, then the camera can be positioned on the tree, but the camera becomes unstable and susceptible to movement due to wind and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mounting device by using a wedge shape with specific angles (15-45 degrees) to transform how the camera is held against the tree. This geometric parameter change creates mechanical stability through friction and normal force distribution, resolving the instability problem of simple strap mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped device acts as an intermediary between the camera and the tree. Instead of directly strapping the camera to the tree, the wedge mediates the connection by distributing forces through its textured surfaces and geometric shape, providing stable support while allowing easy installation and removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a trail camera is positioned on an uneven tree surface, then the camera can be attached to the tree, but the lens cannot be properly directed towards the attractant or prey
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped device provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the camera to be adjusted to various angles (15-45 degrees) depending on the tree surface conditions and desired lens direction. This dynamic adjustability enables precise lens orientation towards attractants or prey while adapting to uneven tree surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is segmented into distinct functional surfaces: a first textured surface for engaging the tree, a second textured surface for engaging the camera, and inclined surfaces providing the wedge geometry. This segmentation allows each surface to optimize its function for either tree engagement or camera positioning precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If a trail camera is secured to a tree, then the camera can be installed, but the uneven tree surface makes it difficult to position the camera correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the form of multiple wedge angles (15-45 degrees) to accommodate different tree diameters and positioning requirements. This allows the same device to simplify installation across various tree conditions while maintaining ease of correct camera positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped device serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, enables positioning on uneven surfaces, allows angle adjustment, and facilitates easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between installation simplicity and positioning ease by combining these capabilities in a single device.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for stabilizing a camera, the apparatus including a first main body having at least front, top, bottom, left and right surfaces forming a wedge shape, the top and bottom surfaces including a concave back edge adapted to engage a stationary structure, the front surface including a surface texture adapted to engage the camera; and optionally a second main body of similar structure. The first body includes at least one tab on at least one of the right and left surfaces and the second body includes at least one slot on at least one of the right and left surfaces wherein the at least one tab is shaped to engage the at least one slot.