Camera Support Harness With Pivoting Arm Pocket for Operator Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of handheld cameras experience fatigue due to the weight of the camera and face difficulties in performing other tasks like getting a drink or communicating over long distances because of the bulky nature of the camera.
Innovation Solution
A handheld camera support assembly that includes a harness secured around the operator's torso and shoulders, with a support assembly featuring a torso panel, an arm receiving pocket, and an adjustable mechanism to pivot the arm receiving pocket relative to the torso panel, allowing for various operating positions and integrated features like pouches for storage and hydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator holds the camera manually, then the camera can be operated easily, but the operator experiences fatigue due to the weight of the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a harness system that distributes weight across the torso and shoulders, an arm support structure with receiving pocket, and a camera cradle. This segmentation allows each component to bear specific portions of the camera weight, reducing the burden on the operator's arms and hands while maintaining ease of camera operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly transitions the weight-bearing function from the operator's arms (one-dimensional support) to the torso and shoulders (two-dimensional distribution across multiple body points). The harness system distributes weight across the chest, back, and shoulders, creating a multi-dimensional support structure that significantly reduces arm fatigue while keeping the camera accessible for operation.
2Reliability
If the camera is made bulky to improve image quality, then better imaging is achieved, but it becomes difficult for the operator to perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly separates the camera support function from the operator's body by introducing an external arm support structure. The camera cradle and arm receiving pocket provide stable support for the bulky camera, freeing the operator's hands and allowing movement without compromising image quality or requiring the operator to set down the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm support structure acts as an intermediary between the operator's body and the bulky camera. It provides a stable mounting point for the camera while allowing the operator to move freely, perform other tasks, and maintain communication without the camera becoming a hindrance. The intermediary structure absorbs the bulk of the camera's size and weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator needs to perform other tasks like getting water or communicating, then operational versatility is improved, but the operator must set down the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is pre-configured with an arm receiving pocket and camera cradle that are ready to receive and secure the camera before the operator begins other tasks. This preliminary setup allows the operator to quickly detach the camera from the hand-held position to the support assembly without requiring full reconfiguration, minimizing time loss when transitioning between camera operation and other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic transitions between different operating modes. The arm receiving pocket can pivot and adjust to accommodate the camera in various positions, enabling the operator to quickly switch between holding the camera in hand and having it supported, thereby maintaining versatility while minimizing the time required for task transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld camera support assembly includes a support assembly coupled to a harness, with the harness secured around the torso and shoulders of an operator during use. The support assembly includes an arm receiving pocket that is pivotally coupled to a torso panel with the arm receiving pocket configured for receiving an arm of the operator. A camera assist mount is coupled to the arm receiving pocket to provide a mounting or positioning point for a handheld camera during use by the operator.