Camera Crane Mobile Base With Corrected Steering and Track Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile camera crane bases lack adaptability for both ground and track use, stability, and efficient steering characteristics, making them difficult to transport and maneuver effectively on various surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A mobile base design featuring a chassis with adjustable counterweights, pivotable center post, and a steering system that provides geometrically corrected steering, allowing for easy transition between ground and track use, with optional tire configurations for different surfaces and a compact, lightweight structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the mobile base is made light weight and compact for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but stability for supporting the camera crane arm deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweights at the rear end of the crane arm to balance the camera platform and extend the rotational inertia of the arm. This allows the mobile base to remain lightweight and portable while maintaining stability during camera crane operations through proper weight distribution and balance.
2Ease of operation
If steering transmissions are added to reduce rolling friction and noise, then steering quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic steering where the front wheels are connected via linkages to the rear wheels, allowing the front wheels to turn at different angles than the rear wheels during steering. This dynamic steering mechanism reduces rolling friction and noise on curved paths while maintaining relatively simple construction through straightforward mechanical linkages.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mobile base is designed for ground use only, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability for track use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mobile base with universal adaptability for both ground and track use. The chassis incorporates mounting provisions for either wheels or tracks, and the frame structure can accommodate both configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same base to be used on various surfaces without requiring completely different designs, balancing ease of manufacture with versatility.
4Length of moving object
If the crane arm is made telescopic to extend reach, then camera position range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic crane arm with multiple nested sections that can extend and retract. The arm is divided into separate telescopic segments that slide within each other, allowing the crane arm length to be adjusted to extend the camera's reach while maintaining manageable complexity through modular segmentation of the structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A camera crane mobile base has a chassis (12) including a front and rear wheel frames (52A, 52B) joined to a frame body (42) via front and rear frame arms (54A, 54B). Axle assemblies (70A, 70B) are pivotally attached at opposite ends of the wheel frames. A wheel is mounted onto each axle assembly. Front and rear steering systems (20A, 20B9 have linkages pivotally attached to the axle assemblies and to upper and lower steering arms. A post frame (94) is pivotally attached to a frame body with a center post (14) pivotally attached to the post frame.