Annular PCB Motor Camera Stabilization With Sensor-Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera stabilization systems are overly complex and heavy, leading to operator fatigue, and fail to effectively integrate printed circuit board (PCB) motors to align axes of rotation with the camera's image sensor, which is crucial for precise image stabilization.
Innovation Solution
The use of printed circuit board (PCB) stator motors in camera systems, where a roll motor and tilt motors are configured with annular designs and bearings to minimize weight and complexity, allowing for precise camera mounting and stabilization by aligning axes of rotation with the image sensor, and enabling high torque output in a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional belt or chain drive systems are used to transfer mechanical energy to ring-shaped rotating mechanisms, then the system can achieve camera stabilization, but the system becomes overly complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical belt or chain drive systems with a direct-drive motor system where the motor rotor itself forms the ring-shaped rotating mechanism. This substitution eliminates intermediate mechanical transmission components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the camera stabilization function. The motor's rotor directly provides the rotational motion needed for stabilization without requiring separate transmission mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor rotor with the ring-shaped rotating mechanism into a single integrated component. Instead of having a separate motor that drives a separate ring mechanism through belts or chains, the rotor itself is configured as the ring-shaped structure that directly holds and rotates the camera. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If traditional belt or chain drive systems are used to transfer mechanical energy to ring-shaped rotating mechanisms, then the system can achieve camera stabilization, but the overall weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical transmission systems (belts, chains, additional gears) with a lightweight direct-drive motor configuration. By eliminating intermediate transmission components and using the motor rotor directly as the rotating mechanism, the overall system weight is reduced while maintaining the essential camera stabilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of the motor rotor with the ring-shaped rotating mechanism eliminates redundant structural components. By combining what were previously separate elements (motor rotor and ring mechanism) into a single unified structure, the total material usage and system weight are reduced, achieving weight savings without compromising stabilization performance.
3Measurement precision
If the axes of rotation are configured to coincide with the camera's image sensor, then image stabilization precision is improved, but the mechanical system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves precise alignment of rotation axes with the image sensor by using the direct-drive motor configuration. The motor rotor is designed with the camera mounting such that the rotation axis naturally coincides with the image sensor plane, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms, adjustable mounts, or precision positioning systems that would otherwise be required to achieve this alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical systems to force the rotation axis to align with the image sensor, the patent inverts the approach by designing the motor rotor itself to inherently provide the correct axis alignment. The rotation axis is built into the motor structure to coincide with the image sensor, reversing the traditional approach of adding alignment mechanisms to achieve proper orientation.
4Weight of moving object
If the system weight is reduced by using PCB motors, then operator fatigue is reduced, but the torque output must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes PCB motors which are designed with optimized electromagnetic parameters to deliver high torque output relative to their weight. By changing the motor design parameters (using planar motor technology with optimized magnetic circuits and winding configurations), the system achieves superior torque-to-weight ratio compared to traditional motors, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining sufficient torque for camera stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs advanced materials and construction techniques in the PCB motor design, including optimized magnetic materials, lightweight structural components, and efficient electromagnetic designs. These composite approaches enable the motor to achieve high torque output in a compact, lightweight form factor, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and torque maintenance.
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
This configuration reduces operator fatigue, allows for longer shooting sessions, and facilitates precise camera movements by minimizing system weight and complexity while maintaining high torque output, enabling cameras with less physical strength to operate effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a roll motor comprising a roll motor casing, a first printed circuit board (PCB) stator coupled with the roll motor casing, and a roll rotor
Implementation Method 2
the roll rotor is enabled to rotate by a set of bearings located circumferentially around the roll rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to PCB stator motors having radially positioned wheel-based bearings for the rotor, including PCB stator motors that are included in camera stabilizing and control systems. PCB stator motors of the inventive subject matter feature a rotor that creates a slot into which a PCB stator is disposed. Surrounding that rotor is a set of wheels having, e.g., grooves into which an outer edge of the rotor can be disposed. The set of wheels enables the rotor to rotate smoothly as a result of a motor controller activating the PCB stator. In some embodiments, an annular roll motor is accompanied by one or more tilt motors to create a camera system that can, e.g., actively stabilize a camera that is disposed at least partially within the roll motor's interior space.