Active Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera stabilizers, particularly passive inertial stabilizers, require significant training and skill to operate effectively, especially for miniaturized and lightweight cameras, and there is a need for an active stabilizer system that provides consistent stabilization control.
Innovation Solution
An actively stabilized payload support apparatus with a gimbal system, torque generators, and a feedback controller that uses angular motion sensing units and algorithms to maintain stability, mimicking the feel of a passive stabilizer while enhancing angular inertia and reducing operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If passive inertial stabilizers are used, then angular and spatial stability is achieved, but significant training time and skill are required for effective use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical passive inertial stabilizer system with an active control system that uses sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes), processors, and actuators to achieve stabilization. This substitution of mechanical inertia with electronic sensing and actuation reduces the skill requirement while maintaining stability performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring angular motion with sensors, processing the signals to determine stabilization torques, and applying corrective torques through actuators. This closed-loop feedback system automatically maintains stability without requiring operator skill or training
2Weight of moving object
If passive stabilizers are designed for light-weight cameras, then reduced moment of inertia is achieved, but greater skill and technique are required for effective use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical moment of inertia with electronic sensing and active control. This allows light-weight cameras to be stabilized without requiring the operator to skillfully manipulate mechanical inertia, as the electronic system automatically compensates for the reduced mass
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stabilization approach from passive mechanical parameters (moment of inertia) to active electronic parameters (sensor readings, control algorithms, actuator responses). This parameter transformation enables effective stabilization of light-weight cameras regardless of operator skill level
3Reliability
If active stabilizer systems are implemented, then consistent stabilization control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the active stabilizer system into distinct functional modules: sensing modules (accelerometers, gyroscopes), processing modules (signal processors, controllers), and actuation modules (torque generators, motors). This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to provide consistent stabilization control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as signal processors and control algorithms that mediate between the sensors and actuators. These intermediaries process sensor data, calculate required corrections, and generate actuator commands, enabling consistent stabilization while managing system complexity through modular architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides consistent stabilization control with reduced operator skill requirements, mimicking the feel of a passive stabilizer while enhancing angular inertia, making it suitable for miniaturized and lightweight cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a torque generator system that includes torque generators for one or more of the gimbal axes
Implementation Method 2
a rotation measuring device measures an angle θ of rotation of a pan shaft or pan motion
Implementation Method 3
The payload support apparatus has a gimbal with a first gimbal axis, for example a roll axis, and a second gimbal axis, such as a tilt axis, wherein the gimbal axes are perpendicular to the second gimbal axis
Implementation Method 4
An illustrative apparatus of the support and stabilizing apparatus has a combination of gears disposed at or near the gimbal to implement the torque corrections
Data Source
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AI summary
A payload stabilizer suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal while remaining responsive to direct operator control.