Adjustable Camera Grip Arm for Stable Shoulder and Handheld Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging apparatuses designed for shoulder carrying face difficulties in stable imaging when not carried on a shoulder, due to their size and weight, limiting flexibility and operability.

Innovation Solution

The imaging apparatus features a movable grip unit with adjustable position and orientation, allowing secure grip and optimal positioning for stable imaging regardless of usage, including shoulder or chest operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the imaging apparatus is designed to be carried on a shoulder, then it can be stably supported during imaging, but it becomes difficult to perform stable imaging when not carried on a shoulder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during imagingVSAvoidflexibility for different usage scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The grip unit is designed to be movable relative to the main body along the optical axis direction, allowing it to switch between a retracted state (for shoulder carrying) and an extended state (for hand-held operation). This dynamic adjustment enables the apparatus to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining stable imaging capability in both modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The grip unit serves multiple functions: it provides hand-held support when extended, and can be retracted to minimize interference during shoulder carrying. This multi-functional design allows a single apparatus to effectively perform both shoulder-mounted and hand-held imaging operations

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

2Reliability

If the imaging apparatus has a heavy lens at the front portion, then imaging quality is improved, but the apparatus becomes heavy and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidhandleability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to balance the heavy lens horizontally, the grip unit extends along the optical axis direction (depth dimension), providing leverage and support that counteracts the lens weight. This spatial arrangement allows the user's hand to effectively support the apparatus weight while maintaining proper imaging geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3186951B1Imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3186951B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3186951B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3186951B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging apparatus including a main unit, a grip, and an arm. The main unit includes an imaging device and imaging lens. The grip is configured to be gripped by a user. The arm includes a first attaching portion and a second attaching portion. The grip is attached to the first attaching portion, and the second attaching portion is attached to the main unit of the imaging apparatus. A position of the grip is adjustable, with respect to the main unit, about the second attaching portion. Further, an orientation of the grip is adjustable, with respect to the main unit, about the first attaching portion of the arm.