One-Handed Recessed Mount for Fixed Dome Cameras

Sammanfattning: This master thesis report describes a product development process with the aim to extend the existing range of mounts for surveillance cameras mounted recessed in ceilings. A recessed mount is an accessory for mounting cameras, or other devices, in ceilings when a discreet finish is wanted. The goal was to design a solution that can be mounted fast, easy and with the use of one hand only. The company at which this project has been performed is Axis Communications AB, who is market leading in network cameras. A thorough background study was performed in order to acquire knowledge about the issues arising when mounting cameras recessed in the ceiling and what techniques are being used on products available on the market today. The result of the background study showed that two techniques are most common; using metal spring torsions, like what is used when mounting spotlights, or with a technique that requires screws and consequently tools which takes time. The work resulted in a concept consisting of two main parts, a housing and a handle, and three parts aiming to connect the main parts. The handle and the housing are pressed together when the recessed mount is inserted in a hole in the ceiling which forces the arms connected to the handle outwards and the camera unit can then be mounted to the recessed mount. One important feature of the handle are the two living hinges that connects the arms to the handle. The living hinges have limited loadbearing capacity and are the critical point of the design and needs further testing to ensure the functionality. This thesis work proves that a solution that offers one-handed and fast mounting of a recessed mount is possible.