Universal Joint Camera Isolator for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras experience shaky or blurred images due to shock and vibration during movement, necessitating a stable platform for effective image capture.
Innovation Solution
A shock and vibration isolator design featuring a top plate attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint, with a dampener/spring element and a camera attachment fitting, allowing the top plate to pivot and absorb shocks and vibrations effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is moved over a floor or ground surface, then the camera can be positioned at different locations, but shock and vibration occur causing shaky or blurred images
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator acts as an intermediary component between the camera and the moving support structure. It includes a universal joint with dampers and springs that mechanically decouple the camera from vibrations transmitted through the support structure, allowing the camera to remain stable even when the support moves over uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint incorporates dampers and springs that provide pre-positioned cushioning elements. These elements are designed to absorb and dampen shock and vibration forces before they can affect the camera, protecting the imaging system from harmful mechanical disturbances during movement
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between the camera and support structure, then structural stability is improved, but shock and vibration are transmitted to the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint provides a dynamic connection that allows controlled movement and rotation while maintaining stability. The joint can pivot to accommodate movements in multiple directions while the dampers and springs dynamically adjust to absorb vibrations, creating a stable platform that adapts to motion rather than rigidly resisting it
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator changes the mechanical parameters of the connection between camera and support. By introducing damping coefficients and spring constants, the system transforms the transmission of vibration forces, reducing the amplitude and frequency of shocks reaching the camera while maintaining overall structural stability
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 isolator provides a stable platform for cameras, effectively isolating them from shock and vibration, ensuring smooth and clear image capture by using a universal joint and dampener/spring elements to absorb and dampen movements.
Implementation Method 1
A dampener/spring element is positioned between the top and bottom plates. The dampener/spring element may be separate springs and dampeners, such as gas or viscous dampeners.
Implementation Method 2
spring loaded shock absorbers, or a resilient material may be used
Implementation Method 3
a top plate is attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint that allows the top plate to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the bottom plate
Data Source
AI summary
A shock and vibration isolator camera includes a top plate is attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint that allows the top plate to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the bottom plate. A camera attachment fitting, such a Mitchell mount fitting, may be provided on the top plate, for attaching a camera or camera accessory to the top plate. A threaded fitting may be provided on the bottom plate, for attaching the isolator to a supporting structure. A dampener/spring element is positioned between the top and bottom plates. The dampener/spring element may be separate springs and dampeners, such as gas or viscous dampeners. Alternatively, spring loaded shock absorbers, or a resilient material may be used.