Camera Dolly Steering Bar with Shift Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera dollies face challenges in precise positioning and timing during steering and movement, making it difficult for operators to achieve smooth and uniform camera movements, which can result in unwanted vibrations or image distortion.
Innovation Solution
A camera dolly with a novel steering transmission system that allows for easy switching between crab and corrective steering modes, utilizing a steering bar and shift lever mechanism to maintain precise control, and includes a spring or solenoid for automatic mode shifting, ensuring smooth and stable camera movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional steering transmission is used, then the dolly can be steered in crab or corrective mode, but precise positioning and timing remain challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical steering transmission with an electrohydraulic steering system. The electrohydraulic steering motor converts electrical signals to hydraulic motion, providing precise control of the dolly's steering mechanism. This substitution enables accurate positioning and timing while simplifying operator control through electronic signal integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor the dolly's position, orientation, and movement parameters. This feedback is processed by a control system that adjusts steering commands in real-time, enabling precise positioning and timing. The feedback loop allows the system to compensate for deviations and maintain accurate control during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If steering transmission allows mode shifting, then the dolly can adapt to different steering modes, but the transition between modes may cause instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode transition control where the steering system smoothly shifts between crab and corrective modes through controlled hydraulic actuation. The electrohydraulic system adjusts steering angles and wheel orientations progressively rather than abruptly, maintaining dolly stability during mode transitions. The system dynamically adapts steering parameters based on the current operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cushioning mechanisms in the form of shock absorbers and damping elements in the steering transmission system. These components absorb mechanical shocks and vibrations that occur during mode transitions, preventing instability. The cushioning elements are positioned to counteract sudden force changes when the dolly shifts between steering modes, ensuring smooth transitions.
3Reliability
If precise control is maintained during movement, then smooth camera movement is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified electrohydraulic steering system that simultaneously provides steering control, positioning accuracy, and movement smoothing. The electrohydraulic steering motor performs both steering and stabilization functions, reducing the need for separate mechanical components. This multi-functionality maintains reliable smooth camera movement while managing system complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering bar engageable with and removable from a steering mode transmission in a camera dolly or pedestal. The steering bar has a handle attached to an upper end of a slot tube, with the slot tube telescopically slidable into or over a base tube, and keyed to the base tube. A shift rod has an upper end connected to a shift cap at the steering bar and a lower end connectable to the steering transmission. A clamp clamps onto the shift rod and is axially movable with the handle bar, to allow shifting steering modes via movement of the shift cap, with the steering bar at any selected height.