Cable Traversing Camera Carriage with Adjustable Pulley Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera-carrying devices used with cables for aerial imaging require numerous additional components and are complex in operation, making them inefficient for smooth camera movement along cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable traversing camera carrying device featuring a manifold with adjustable idler and drive pulleys, coupled to a camera carriage, which is remotely controlled by a motor to manage cable tension and orientation, allowing the device to move bidirectionally along a cable while maintaining camera stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cable systems use multiple cables and complex carriage mechanisms to move cameras along cables, then the camera can be transported along the cable, but the device complexity and number of components increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable functions into a single cable system. The single cable serves both as the support structure and the propulsion mechanism, eliminating the need for separate support cables and complex carriage mechanisms. The manifold assembly integrates the drive pulley, idler pulleys, and cable engagement into one unified component that attaches to the camera platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable performs multiple functions: it provides structural support for the camera platform, serves as the propulsion medium through differential winding, and acts as the guide path for the manifold assembly. This multi-functional cable replaces the conventional multi-cable system with dedicated functions for support and movement.
2Speed
If conventional systems use statically connected cables to the carriage, then the camera can be moved along the cable, but additional components and operational features are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static cable connections to dynamic cable management. The manifold assembly can move freely along the cable while the drive pulley dynamically adjusts cable winding on spools to control movement. The idler pulleys dynamically redirect cable tension to maintain proper engagement during traversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable system is self-propelling through the differential winding mechanism. By winding the cable onto one spool and unwinding from another, the system generates its own propulsion force without requiring external motors or complex drive mechanisms attached to the camera platform.
3Reliability
If the drive pulley is positioned in the middle portion of the manifold below the line defined by idler pulley axes, then cable tension is optimized, but the manifold structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drive pulley position is optimized by changing its vertical parameter - positioning it below the line defined by the idler pulley axes. This parameter change creates favorable cable routing angles that distribute tension evenly across all pulleys, improving cable engagement reliability and reducing lateral forces on the manifold structure.
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 simplifies the operation of camera-carrying devices by reducing the number of components and enhancing the camera's ability to maintain orientation and move smoothly along cables, improving the efficiency and functionality of aerial imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a drive pulley operatively engaged by a remotely activated and controlled motor
Implementation Method 2
two idler pulleys, each coupled to opposing sides of the manifold and adjacent the top side of manifold; and a drive pulley operatively engaged by a remotely activated and controlled motor
Data Source
AI summary
A cable traversing camera carrying device is provided having a manifold and a camera carriage coupled to the manifold. The manifold includes a first side plate and a second side plate. The manifold also includes two idler pulleys coupled between the first and second side plates located at opposing sides of the manifold and adjacent the top side of manifold. The manifold further includes a drive pulley coupled between the first and second side plates operatively engaged by a remotely activated and controlled motor. The drive pulley is located in a middle portion of the manifold below a line defined between axes of the two idler pulleys. The two idler pulleys and the drive pulley are adjustable to adjust the tension in a cable operatively extending through and engaging the idler pulleys and the drive pulley.