Camera Multi-Mount with Worm Gear Leveling Head
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera crane systems require significant time and expense to change camera mounting configurations, such as from under-slung to top-mounted, due to the need for separate mounting brackets and manual adjustments, limiting versatility and efficiency during filming.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mount apparatus with rotatable side plates and a leveling head mechanism that includes a worm gear and moon gear system, allowing for quick switching between top, bottom, and front mounting configurations using a single drive mechanism, and enabling simultaneous attachment of multiple devices like camera heads and lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting brackets and manual adjustments are used to change camera mounting configurations, then the mounting structure can be changed, but significant time and expense are required, limiting versatility and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-mount apparatus provides multiple mounting configurations (under-slung, top-mounted, front-mounted) within a single device. The side plates can be rotated to different positions, and the leveling head can be repositioned, allowing one apparatus to perform multiple mounting functions that previously required separate brackets and manual adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The side plates are designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the mounting positions. The leveling head mechanism can also be repositioned dynamically. This dynamic design enables quick switching between different camera mounting configurations without requiring disassembly or manual adjustment, directly reducing setup time while maintaining versatility
2Reliability
If separate mounting brackets are used for different camera configurations, then each configuration can be securely mounted, but the device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate mounting bracket functions into a single multi-mount apparatus. By combining the under-slung, top-mounted, and front-mounted capabilities into one integrated device with rotatable side plates and a repositionable leveling head, the system reduces the number of separate fixtures needed while maintaining secure mounting for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
A single multi-mount apparatus is designed to provide multiple mounting configurations that previously required separate specialized brackets. The universal design allows one device to replace multiple configuration-specific fixtures, reducing overall device complexity and expense while maintaining the reliability of secure mounting through the integrated leveling and positioning mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are used to reconfigure mounting positions, then flexibility is achieved, but productivity and efficiency during filming are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable side plates and repositionable leveling head enable dynamic reconfiguration of mounting positions without manual adjustment. The mechanical design allows operators to switch between configurations quickly and efficiently, maintaining flexibility in mounting position selection while significantly improving productivity during filming operations
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-mount apparatus is pre-configured with multiple mounting positions and the capability to switch between them. The side plates are designed to rotate to predetermined positions, and the leveling head can be repositioned to standard configurations, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments and preliminary setup work during filming
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
Enables rapid and efficient reconfiguration of camera mounts without compromising performance, allowing for multiple devices to be maintained in known orientations, thus enhancing the crane's versatility and reducing setup time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-mount apparatus with rotatable side plates and a leveling head mechanism that includes a worm gear and moon gear system
Implementation Method 2
a worm gear and moon gear system, allowing for quick switching between top, bottom, and front mounting configurations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A multi-mount apparatus for devices such as camera heads or lights on the end of a crane arm is disclosed. The multi-mount can include two substantially parallel side plates connected together with internal support members. A top mounting plate can be rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a top pivot point on the side plates. The multi-mount contains a leveling head, which can include a motor that drives a worm gear engaged with a moon gear. A bottom mounting plate can be attached to the moon gear, which is rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a bottom pivot point on the side plates. A motor drives a moon gear to rotate and maintain the bottom mounting plate at a desired orientation. In some embodiments, one or more push/pull rods rotatably attached to the bottom and top mounting plates also cause the top mounting plate to be maintained at the same orientation as the bottom mounting plate.