Three-Axis Camera Gimbal With Ergonomic Manual Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld camera stabilization systems require significant skill and experience to achieve smooth motion control, especially when operating in multiple angular directions, and lack ergonomic design for manual operation without motor assistance.
Innovation Solution
A three-axis gimbal system with a post and gimbal assembly that allows manual rotation about three axes, featuring adjustable centers of gravity and ergonomic handgrips for easy manipulation, enabling smooth and continuous camera movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized assist is used for camera stabilization, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the operator's own body movements and natural hand operations to control camera stabilization, eliminating the need for external motorized assistance. The gimbal assembly passively responds to operator input through mechanical coupling, making the operator themselves the source of stabilization control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes motorized assistance components from the stabilization system, extracting only the essential mechanical gimbal assembly that provides stabilization through pure mechanical means. This simplifies the device by eliminating motors, sensors, and control electronics while retaining core stabilization functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional three-axis gimbal isolation arrangements are used, then angular stabilization is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of ergonomic handgrips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gimbal isolation mechanism with ergonomic handgrips into a unified structure. The handgrips are integrated with the gimbal assembly such that they serve dual purposes: providing operator control and maintaining the mechanical isolation necessary for angular stabilization. This merging eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If motorized gimbals are used for angular stabilization, then stabilization performance is improved, but ease of operation worsens when motors are turned off for free hands operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical gimbal assembly is designed to be self-sufficient for stabilization without requiring external motorized assistance. The system uses pure mechanical coupling between the handgrips and camera mount to achieve angular stabilization, making it fully operational without power sources or electronic controls.
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 system allows for sensitive and responsive control of camera movements, accommodating various camera weights and sizes, and provides a handheld look with the stability of traditional support systems, reducing operator fatigue and eliminating unwanted footsteps.
Implementation Method 1
The Steadicam utilizes weight, mass, and inertia for stabilization
Implementation Method 2
The bearing members each include a casing that houses a respective rotary bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A camera support includes a post, a gimbal assembly, and a mounting member. The mounting member couples the gimbal assembly to the post for rotation of the gimbal assembly about a pan axis coincident with a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the post. The gimbal assembly includes a roll cradle, a tilt body and a second mounting member. The roll cradle is movably secured to the first mounting member for rotation about a roll axis perpendicular to the pan axis. The tilt body is movably mounted to the roll cradle for rotation about a tilt axis perpendicular to both the pan axis and the roll axis. The second mounting member is connected to the tilt body for attaching a camera to the tilt body.