3D Camera Centroid Adjustment Mechanism for Fast Precise Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centroid adjustment mechanisms for pan-tilt-zoom cameras have slow adjustment speeds and low precision, making it difficult to quickly and accurately adjust camera centroids for different cameras.

Innovation Solution

A centroid adjustment mechanism that includes X, Y, and Z axis direction adjustment mechanisms using gear-rack meshing systems, with knobs for precise control, and scale bars for easy measurement, allowing for quick and accurate adjustments in three perpendicular directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing centroid adjustment mechanisms are used, then the pan-tilt-zoom can support various cameras, but the adjustment speed is slow and precision is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentroid adjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electric drive system comprising motors, lead screws, and sliding blocks. This substitution enables faster and more precise centroid adjustment through electronic control, directly resolving the contradiction between slow adjustment speed and low precision in existing mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces three-dimensional adjustment capabilities along X, Y, and Z axes with independent motors for each direction. By adding degrees of freedom and using scalable parameters (adjustment range, precision, speed), the system achieves both high-speed and high-precision centroid adjustment, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment precision and speed are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera centroid adjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centroid adjustment mechanism into three independent modular systems for X, Y, and Z axes. Each axis has its own motor, lead screw, and sliding block assembly. This segmentation allows for precise control of each dimension while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces lead screws as intermediary elements between the motors and the camera mounting platform. The lead screws convert rotational motor motion into precise linear displacement, enabling high-precision adjustment without requiring complex direct-drive mechanisms, thus balancing precision requirements with acceptable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If existing mechanisms are used, then the device is compact, but the adjustment capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment efficiencyVSAvoidmechanism structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal centroid adjustment mechanism that can accommodate various camera types and weights through standardized motor mounts and adjustable ranges. The three-axis system provides multi-functional capability for positioning cameras in any direction within the adjustment range, enhancing productivity while maintaining reasonable complexity through standardized components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically controllable motors that can adjust speed, torque, and positioning precision based on real-time requirements. The system transitions from static mechanical linkages to dynamic electrically-controlled actuation, enabling rapid repositioning and high-speed adjustment while keeping the physical structure relatively compact through controlled motion profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables rapid and precise adjustment of camera centroids in three directions, resulting in a compact and aesthetically appealing design, enhancing the quality of aerial photography by allowing quick and precise camera positioning.

Implementation Method 1

an X axis direction centroid adjustment mechanism, a Y axis direction centroid adjustment mechanism, and a Z axis direction centroid adjustment mechanism that adjusts a camera centroid along X axis direction, Y axis direction and Z axis direction in a working manner of meshing a gear with a rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear-rack meshing: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP3370113B1Gravity center adjustment mechanism for pan-tilt camera, pan-tilt device, and aircraft
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 AUTEL ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • EP3370113B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3370113B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3370113B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application relates to the technical field of photographing devices, and provides a centroid adjustment mechanism of a pan-tilt-zoom camera, a pan-tilt-zoom, and an aerial vehicle. The centroid adjustment mechanism includes: a camera base provided on a pan-tilt-zoom, and a slide platform located below the camera base, and further including: an X axis direction centroid adjustment mechanism, a Y axis direction centroid adjustment mechanism, and a Z axis direction centroid adjustment mechanism that adjust a camera centroid in three directions in a working manner of meshing a gear with a rack. The centroid adjustment mechanism of the pan-tilt-zoom camera can respectively perform centroid adjustment according to centroid adjustment requirements of different cameras in three directions of an X axis direction, a Y axis direction, and a Z axis direction, and rotate knobs in the three directions to drive a gear to mesh with a rack in the three directions, so that adjustment is quick and accurate.