Camera Platform Balance Mechanism Using Annular Cam and Spring
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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 mounting apparatus with a concentrically arranged annular cam and cam follower, coupled with a spring arrangement orthogonal to the axis of rotation, allows for precise adjustment and balancing of payloads, using a simpler and lighter mechanism that can accommodate various weights and sizes, and is compact in design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing 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 an optimized distance from the rotation axis, creating a lever arm that generates the required restoring torque through linear spring force rather than complex mechanical transformations. This substitution maintains balance precision while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter from mechanical linkage geometry to spring positioning distance. By adjusting the distance of the spring from the rotation axis, the system can provide different restoring torques for different payload weights and center of mass heights, achieving adaptability without complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanical systems are designed to accommodate different payloads, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes (spring positioning distance and spring stiffness) to accommodate different payloads. By simply adjusting where the spring is positioned relative to the rotation axis or changing spring stiffness, the system adapts to different camera and lens weights without requiring complex adjustable linkages or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single linear spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides restoring torque for different payload weights, accommodates different center of mass heights through positioning adjustment, and maintains balance across the entire tilt range. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If compact mechanism dimensions are reduced to fit under platform, then space efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex non-linear linkage components and replaces them with a simple spring mechanism that can be positioned at an optimized distance from the axis. This extraction simplifies the overall mechanism volume while the precise positioning of the spring (achieved through the simplified structure) actually reduces the manufacturing precision requirements compared to complex linkages.
4Ease of operation
If lighter mechanism weight is used to improve portability, then ease of operation is improved, but balance mechanism effectiveness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy non-linear mechanical linkages with a lightweight linear spring mechanism. The spring provides sufficient restoring torque capability through proper positioning and stiffness selection, achieving both portability (lighter weight) and effectiveness (adequate restoring torque) simultaneously rather than requiring a trade-off.
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 perfect or near-perfect balance over a wide range of tilt angles, supports payloads from zero to over 25 kg, and is cost-effective to manufacture, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged with a spring axis substantially orthogonally with respect to the axis of cam rotation
Implementation Method 2
the spring being arranged with a spring axis substantially orthogonally with respect to the axis of cam rotation
Implementation Method 3
a cam follower having a cam follower arm comprising a cam engagement surface adapted to engage with and follow the inner cam face on rotation of the cam around the said axis
Implementation Method 4
the cam follower being attached pivotally to the housing at a pivot point which is eccentric from the said axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting apparatus (100) comprising a housing adapted to be removably attachable to a support means, the mounting apparatus further comprising a platform (102), the platform being attached to a casing which is pivotally attached to the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing around an axis (0), wherein the casing has an annular cam (106) arranged within it, the cam being arranged concentrically with the said axis and having an inner cam face (118), the apparatus comprising a cam follower (110 and 116) comprising 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 having a yoke engagement surface adapted to engage a yoke (136) and to transfer force between the cam follower and the yoke. Rotation of the casing relative to the housing provides a transmittal of a force between the platform and the spring arrangement.