Camera Platform Balance Mechanism With Annular Cam Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balance mechanisms for tiltable camera platforms are limited in their ability to accommodate a wide range of payload weights and sizes, are not easily adjustable, and often require complex mechanical systems that are bulky and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A balance mechanism with a housing and platform that uses an annular cam and cam follower arrangement, where the cam is concentric with the axis of rotation, and a spring arrangement orthogonal to it, allowing precise adjustment and compact design, capable of balancing payloads from zero to over 25 kg with a simple and direct force transfer mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mechanical systems with non-linear linkages are used to provide restoring torque, then balance precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex non-linear mechanical linkages with a simple linear spring mechanism. The spring is positioned at a fixed distance from the rotation axis, creating a linear restoring torque that is sufficiently accurate for the application. This substitution eliminates the need for complex cam profiles or non-linear linkages while maintaining adequate balance precision across the operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using complex geometric parameters (non-linear linkage profiles) to using simple physical parameters (spring constant, spring pre-compression, and spring positioning distance). By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves the required balance precision without complex mechanical structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable balance mechanisms are designed to accommodate different payloads, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides adjustability by allowing modification of simple physical parameters: spring pre-compression (via initial positioning), spring constant (by selecting different springs), and spring positioning distance (radial distance from axis). These parameter changes enable the system to accommodate different payloads without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple spring-based mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides restoring torque, allows adjustment for different payloads, and maintains balance across a wide tilt angle range. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple specialized mechanisms designed for specific payload ranges.
3Volume of moving object
If compact mechanisms are designed to fit under the tiltable platform, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves compactness by positioning the spring at a fixed radial distance from the rotation axis and using a simple linear mounting arrangement. The compact design relies on well-defined geometric parameters (spring position, spring orientation) rather than complex tolerances, making it manufacturable with standard precision while maintaining a compact footprint.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple spring mechanisms are used instead of complex linkages, then ease of manufacture is improved, but balance precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex non-linear mechanical linkages with a simple linear spring mechanism. The spring provides a restoring force that, when positioned at an appropriate distance from the rotation axis, generates sufficient restoring torque to balance the payload. This substitution dramatically simplifies manufacturing while maintaining adequate balance accuracy for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves the required balance precision by optimizing physical parameters of the simple spring system: the spring constant, the pre-compression force, and the radial distance from the rotation axis. By carefully selecting these parameters, the simple mechanism achieves the necessary balance accuracy without complex structures.
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 mechanism provides precise balance over a wide range of tilt angles, supports various payloads, is compact, and easy to manufacture, offering a single solution that replaces multiple narrower-range designs, while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arrangement orthogonal to it, allowing precise adjustment and compact design, capable of balancing payloads from zero to over 25 kg
Implementation Method 2
a spring driven means to control tilting of the platform either side of a neutral position
Implementation Method 3
a cam rotates with the mounting, and a cam follower moves a lever to convert rotation of the lever into linear movement to effect a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting apparatus including a housing adapted to be removably attachable to a support, and a platform for supporting a payload. The platform being attached to a casing which is pivotally attached to the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing around an axis, wherein the casing has an annular cam arranged within it, the cam being arranged concentrically with the said axis and having an inner cam face. The apparatus includes a cam follower with a cam engagement surface adapted to engage with and follow the inner cam face on rotation of the cam around the said axis, the cam follower being attached pivotally to the housing at a pivot point which is eccentric from the said axis. The cam follower includes a yoke engagement surface adapted to engage a yoke and to transfer force between the cam follower and the yoke.