Buoyant Airfoil Stabilizer for Underwater Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater camera stabilization systems fail to effectively counteract the movement caused by water currents and terrain irregularities, leading to unstable images and footage due to their design and weight distribution, which shifts the center of gravity and is not adequately compensated by prior stabilizing devices.
Innovation Solution
A self-leveling, stabilized platform featuring a swept back, delta winged airfoil member with a handle receptacle and camera mounting receptacle, incorporating winglets for lateral and longitudinal stability, and a tubular handle filled with viscous fluid to adjust buoyancy and center of gravity, allowing for compensation of fluid dynamics and terrain changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a light-weight camera is used for underwater photography, then the camera can be easily maneuvered and controlled, but it becomes highly susceptible to movement from water currents and shifts in center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by using a buoyant airfoil structure that provides upward buoyant force to counteract the downward pull of water currents on the light-weight camera. The airfoil's buoyancy compensates for the camera's susceptibility to current-induced movement, maintaining stability without requiring the camera to be heavier.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing apparatus combines materials with different densities and buoyancy characteristics - the airfoil is constructed with buoyant materials (such as foam or sealed air chambers) combined with the camera housing. This composite structure creates a balanced system where the buoyant portion counteracts current forces while the camera portion remains lightweight for easy maneuvering.
2Stability of the object's composition
If prior stabilizing devices are added to the camera handle, then some stabilization is provided, but the center of gravity shifts and bulkiness increases, worsening the stabilization problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stabilizing function directly into the camera housing structure itself rather than adding separate handle-mounted stabilizers. The airfoil is integrated as part of the camera assembly, with mounting surfaces directly on the housing, eliminating the need for additional handle components and avoiding center of gravity shifts associated with separate stabilizing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The airfoil structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides stabilization against water currents, acts as a mounting surface for the camera, and can incorporate handles or grip surfaces for user control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stabilizing components that would add complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the camera is positioned close to the seabed for detailed imaging, then terrain detail is captured, but terrain irregularities cause camera movement and instability
Solution Approach 1:
When the camera is positioned close to the seabed, the buoyant airfoil structure provides an upward counterbalancing force that compensates for irregular terrain contact and prevents the camera from being pushed or tilted by uneven surfaces. This allows detailed imaging near the seabed while maintaining stability.
4Ease of operation
If hand-held mounting is used for camera control, then the camera can be easily positioned and maneuvered, but user movement and tension changes cause irregular camera motion
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant airfoil structure acts as a counterweight that reduces the effective weight and inertia of the camera system, making it easier for the user to position and maneuver. Simultaneously, this buoyancy compensation reduces the impact of user tension changes and movements on camera stability, as the buoyant force absorbs these variations.
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 a stable platform for underwater cameras, minimizing movement and maintaining steady images by compensating for fluid flow and terrain changes, ensuring effective stabilization of the camera both in motion and at rest, even in challenging underwater conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a swept back, buoyant delta winged airfoil member
Implementation Method 2
allowing for fluid dynamic principles to assist in the stability of the stabilizing platform
Implementation Method 3
winglets at each of its distal ends so that adequate lateral and longitudinal stability will be imparted to the camera body
Data Source
AI summary
A buoyant airfoil stabilization platform that can compensate for fluid flow above, below, and around an attached payload. The airfoil stabilization platform being a substantially delta or linear shaped airfoil. The airfoil uses fluid dynamics principles to assist in the stability of a mounted payload. The airfoil stabilization platform also comprises a payload mount and a handle grip. The payload mount is designed to receive camera, lighting, sonar, and other devices. The handle grip allows the user to control and assist in the stabilization of the platform. The handle grip can further contribute to the stabilization of the platform by including components for allowing the center of gravity or buoyancy of the apparatus to be adjusted. The airfoil stabilization platform can further include winglets to assist with stabilizing the platform. In addition, lights, camera, lasers, levels, and other features may be built into the airfoil, winglets, or attached expansion pods.