Actively Stabilized Gimbal Torque Control for Lightweight Camera Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera stabilization systems, particularly for miniaturized and lightweight cameras, face challenges in providing consistent and effective stabilization control, requiring significant skill and technique, and are limited in their ability to maintain angular stability, especially in active stabilizer systems.
Innovation Solution
An actively stabilized payload support apparatus with a gimbal system featuring torque generators and processing devices that utilize rotation measurements and algorithms to generate torques for roll, tilt, and pan axes, enhancing angular inertia and stability through a combination of sector gears and drive gears, and employing an omni-axial torque generator for stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If passive inertial stabilizers are used to support lightweight cameras with reduced moments of inertia, then the camera can be miniaturized and reduced in weight, but the stabilizer requires greater skill and technique for effective use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical inertial stabilization system with an active electronic stabilization system using torque generators, rotation measuring devices, and processing devices that actively compensate for motion, thereby reducing the skill required to operate while supporting lightweight cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using rotation measuring devices to detect angular motion and processing devices to calculate compensating torques, which are then applied by torque generators to actively stabilize the camera, reducing operator skill requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If passive inertial stabilizers are used to provide angular stability, then smooth image capture is achieved, but significant training time and effort are required to become technically proficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical stabilization with active electronic stabilization using torque generators and processing devices that automatically maintain angular stability through feedback control, eliminating the need for extensive operator training
Solution Approach 2:
The active stabilization system performs self-correction by automatically detecting motion through rotation measuring devices and applying compensating torques through torque generators, stabilizing the camera without requiring operator skill or training
3Reliability
If active stabilizer systems are implemented for miniaturized cameras, then stabilization control can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components: the processing device performs both rotation measurement processing and torque calculation, while the torque generators serve both stabilization and positioning functions, reducing overall system complexity despite improved reliability
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 solution provides improved angular stability and reduced skill requirements for operators, allowing for smooth and quality image capture by actively compensating for unwanted motion, effectively stabilizing lightweight cameras like those in Steadicam Merlin systems, making them less susceptible to wind disturbances and operator input.
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
Passive inertial stabilizers reduce or avoid unwanted angular and spatial motion
Implementation Method 4
Passive inertial stabilizers reduce or avoid unwanted angular and spatial motion
Data Source
AI summary
A payload stabilizer and methods for stabilizing a payload suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal.