Suspended Camera Arm Axles for Wider 3D Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerial camera systems have limited three-dimensional movement due to rigid arm-platform connections, restricting the camera's accessible area and hindering image capture.

Innovation Solution

An aerial system with independently rotatable arm axles and arms around a main axle, allowing for a wider flying area and enhanced maneuverability, coupled with damping to ensure smooth movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If arms are rigidly fixed to the platform, then structural stability is improved, but the flying area and maneuverability are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflying area
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid, fixed arm structure into a dynamic system with multiple rotatable joints. The arms are equipped with arm axles that can rotate independently around a main axle, allowing the platform to adapt its configuration and reach various positions in three-dimensional space. This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction by providing both structural stability through controlled damping and extensive adaptability through multiple degrees of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the arm structure into multiple independently rotatable segments. Instead of a single rigid arm, the system uses arms with separate rotation axes (arm axles) that can move relative to each other and to the main platform. This segmentation enables the system to achieve complex spatial configurations while maintaining structural integrity, thereby expanding the flying area without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple arm axles are added for independent rotation, then maneuverability and flying area are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple rotation functions into a unified arm assembly. The arm axles are integrated around a common main axle, allowing independent rotation of each arm while sharing a common structural framework. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate rotational mechanisms, as the arm axles work cooperatively within a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing the arm axles to perform multiple functions simultaneously. Each arm axle not only provides rotational movement for maneuverability but also serves as a structural support element and a mounting point for damping mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving enhanced maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If damping is added to arm axles and arms, then movement smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement smoothnessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by implementing damping mechanisms that automatically regulate movement without external control. The damping elements are integrated into the arm axles and arms, providing passive resistance to motion that naturally smooths out movements and oscillations. This self-regulating approach eliminates the need for complex active control systems, achieving smooth operation while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the camera to cover a significantly broader area, capturing images from positions previously inaccessible, with improved maneuverability and image capture capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the arm axles is configured such that its rotation in relation to the main axle is free and damped

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

Each of the arms is configured such that its rotation in relation to the respective arm axle is free and damped

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4511697B1An aerial system for a camera
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 OMNICAM4SKY LDA
  • EP4511697B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4511697B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4511697B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure refers to aerial systems for cameras, typically for stabilized cameras, and also called suspended camera systems, which allow to move a camera through a three-dimensional space by means of cables. The present disclosure includes an aerial system for a camera, which comprises a main axle and at least three arm axles, the arm axles being perpendicular to and independently rotatable around said main axle. The arm axles are coupled to arms which in turn couple to a cable which is fed and reeled from a main reel for feeding and reeling a cable, and, upon coupling of a cable to each arm, the cables support a camera head coupled to the said means for coupling. The solution of the present disclosure enables, including through the provision of arm axles which rotate in relation to a main axle and independently from each other, to reach a wider area.