Camera Pan-Tilt Head Spring Preload for Accessible Counterbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pan and tilt heads for cameras require significant effort to adjust due to high loads needed for counterbalancing, and adjustments become impossible when the support is tilted rearwardly, as the mechanism is covered and inaccessible.
Innovation Solution
A pan and tilt head with an adjustable spring mechanism and a mechanical advantage drive, allowing for pre-loading of the spring to counterbalance the payload throughout its tilt range, featuring a rotary height adjustment mechanism and a stepped down drive for easier operation, enabling adjustments regardless of the tilt position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a horizontally extending spring guide with a lead screw adjustment device is used to preload the spring, then the spring can be preloaded to counterbalance the payload, but the effort required to rotate the adjustment device is considerable and it becomes impossible to adjust when the support is tilted rearwardly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal spring arrangement by using a vertically extending spring guide. The adjustment device is positioned at the top of the vertical guide rather than horizontally mounted, allowing gravitational assistance during adjustment and eliminating the obstruction problem when the support is tilted rearwardly. This inversion transforms the adjustment mechanism from a horizontally operated lead screw to a vertically oriented system where the operator can access and operate the adjustment device regardless of the support's tilt position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal spring guide arrangement to a vertical one, changing the spatial dimension of the adjustment mechanism. By moving the spring guide from horizontal to vertical orientation and positioning the adjustment device at the top, the system gains accessibility in the vertical dimension while eliminating the interference that occurs in the horizontal plane when the support tilts rearwardly.
2Force
If very high loads are required in the spring to provide the requisite counterbalancing force, then the counterbalancing force is sufficient, but the effort required to rotate the adjustment device is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a worm gear as an intermediary mechanism between the adjustment device and the lead screw. This worm gear acts as a mechanical advantage multiplier, allowing the operator to apply a smaller rotational force to achieve the high linear force needed to compress the spring. The worm gear's self-locking特性 also maintains the preload position without requiring continuous force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a direct lead screw mechanism with a combined worm gear and lead screw system. This substitution introduces a gear reduction stage that transforms the operator's rotational input into amplified linear output force, making it feasible to generate high spring preloads without requiring excessive operator effort.
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 solution provides effortless and accessible counterbalancing of the payload across its entire tilt range, reducing the effort required for adjustments and ensuring the mechanism can be operated even when the platform is tilted rearwardly.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring acting between a slide and an end stop... tilting of the support causes the slide to compress the spring and produce a force to counterbalance the out of balance moment
Implementation Method 2
a lead screw for rotation about a vertical axis and having an adjustable height post with a threaded lower end engaging the lead screw
Implementation Method 3
an adjustable height post with a threaded lower end engaging the lead screw for raising and lowering the post
Data Source
AI summary
A pan and tilt head for supporting a payload such as a TV, video or motion picture camera comprising a base and a tiltable support including a platform for receiving a payload pivotally mounted on the base to tilt about a horizontal axis to either side of a neutral position in which the platform is generally horizontal. A balancing mechanism for the platform includes an adjustable spring mechanism mounted on the base to enable a pre-load in the spring mechanism to be varied and means coupling the tilting support to the spring mechanism. Adjustable mounting for one end of the spring mechanism includes an upright post mounted on the base and having rotary height adjustment. A manually operable rotary thumb wheel is mounted on the base for rotation about an upright axis.