Camera Rig Adjustable Counterforce Spring Lever Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for carrying optical instruments, such as cameras, are not adaptable to a wide range of weights and do not provide sufficient support and mobility, leading to user discomfort and potential injury from uneven weight distribution.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a harness, an arm, and an extendable string with an adjustable counter force device that includes a spring, lever arm, and pulley system, allowing for adjustable counter force to support and maneuver optical instruments of varying weights efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-weight camera rig is used, then the device can support a specific camera weight, but it cannot adapt to different camera weights without rebuilding or exchanging the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different camera weightsVSAvoiddevice structure fixedness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalance weight is made adjustable through a mechanism that allows it to be moved along the arm or replaced with different weights. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the rig to adapt to different camera weights while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural fixedness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a heavy camera is carried without counterbalance, then the device structure is simple, but the user experiences muscle fatigue and potential injury from uneven weight distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfort and reduced fatigueVSAvoidcounterbalance mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A counterbalance weight is provided that can be adjusted to offset the weight of the camera. This counterbalance mechanism compensates for the uneven weight distribution, reducing the strain on the user's muscles and improving comfort while carrying heavy cameras, without requiring overly complex device structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of operation

If the string is made non-adjustable, then the device structure is simpler, but the freedom to move and operate the camera is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom to move and operate cameraVSAvoidstring adjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The string length is made adjustable through a mechanism that allows the user to extend or retract the string as needed. This dynamic adjustment provides greater freedom to move and position the camera while maintaining operational simplicity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device effectively distributes the weight of optical instruments across the user's body, reducing muscle fatigue and enabling easy movement and positioning of heavy or light instruments without requiring excessive lifting force, thus providing efficient and comfortable carrying and operation.

Implementation Method 1

the adjustable counter force device comprising a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the adjustable counter force device comprising a lever arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3064822B1Camera rig
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 EASYRIG
  • EP3064822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3064822B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3064822B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for carrying an optical instrument (6), the device comprising a harness (16), an arm (14), and an extendable string (12). The arm comprises a first portion being fixed in relation to the harness, and a second portion for supporting of the string, and the string comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the string being arranged for fastening of an optical instrument. The device is characterised in that the device further comprising an adjustable counter force device (26), and the second portion of the string being attached to the adjustable counter force device for providing a counter force on the string, wherein the adjustable counter force device comprising a spring (28), a lever arm (30), and a support (40) wherein the lever arm comprises a first point pivotably attached to the support, a second point attached to the string, and a third point attached to a second point of the spring, wherein a first point of the spring being pivotably attached to the support, and the second point and/or the third point of the lever arm is movable along the lever arm such that a counter force exerted by the counter force device on the string is adjustable. The present invention further relates to a use of such a device and a system comprising such a device and a camera.