Telescoping Camera Crane Spring Balancing and Payload Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescoping camera cranes face challenges in maintaining balance due to bending deflection changes with arm elevation, requiring significant manual effort from operators to compensate for out-of-balance forces, especially in larger cranes, and existing systems do not allow for flexible reconfiguration of payload capacity.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping camera crane design with a second extendible section and a spring balancing system, allowing for reconfiguration to increase payload capacity by removing and reattaching segments and using an adapter, and a spring assembly to compensate for out-of-balance forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the telescoping arm is fully extended to maximize reach, then the working distance is improved, but the maximum payload capacity decreases due to increased bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping arm is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section with front and back segments) that can be independently configured. By removing the front segment of the second section and using an adapter, the arm structure is segmented to create a shorter effective length configuration that increases payload capacity while retaining the option for full extension when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the arm elevation is changed to achieve different working angles, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the balance condition deteriorates due to bending deflection changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic balancing system with movable counterweights that can be repositioned along the arm as elevation changes. This dynamic adjustment compensates for bending deflection variations at different elevation angles, maintaining balance conditions across the full range of motion rather than being optimized for a single static position.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system changes the position parameter of counterweights dynamically based on arm elevation angle. As the elevation angle changes and bending deflection varies, the counterweight positions are adjusted to maintain optimal balance, transforming the system from a fixed-parameter design to a variable-parameter design that adapts to different operating conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed counterweights are used to balance the arm in horizontal position, then the initial setup is simplified, but the control precision deteriorates at elevated positions due to out-of-balance forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed counterweights to dynamic adjustable counterweights that can be repositioned based on arm elevation. This allows the balancing system to adapt to different operating positions, maintaining positioning precision across the full elevation range while keeping the initial setup relatively simple through standardized mounting positions.
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 easier control and balancing of the crane arm by reducing out-of-balance forces and allowing for increased payload capacity with reduced telescoping movement, facilitating quicker reconfiguration and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly is provided on a bottom surface of a first tube of a camera crane. The spring assembly typically includes several springs. The spring assembly exerts torque on the arm that compensates for out-of-balance forces.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a telescoping camera crane arm, a second section or tube (510) is telescopically extendible into and out of the first section (508). The second section divided into a front segment (804) attached to a back segment (802) by a connector (800), to allow the front segment to be removed from the back segment. An adapter (820) is attachable to the front end of the first section. A camera support (700) is attachable to the adapter and to the front end of the front segment. To configure the crane for increased maximum payload, the front segment is removed from the back segment. The adapter is attached to the front end of the front section, and the camera support is attached to the adapter, so that the camera support is then supported directly by the first section. A spring balancing system (900) compensates for out-of-balance forces associated with changes in the elevation angle of the crane arm.