Camera Support Roll Structure for 360° Rotation and Nodal Shooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera support systems fail to allow complete 360° rotation about the Xroll axis without counterbalancing means and limit nodal shooting capabilities, as they are constrained by dimensional limitations and lack effective counterbalancing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A system with 'L' shaped profiled elements interposed between the camera and the articulated head, featuring linear guides for adjustment and counterbalancing weights, enabling 360° rotation about the Xroll axis and nodal shooting by aligning the rotation axis with the camera's optical center, without requiring counterbalancing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If counterbalancing means are used to enable rotation about the Xroll axis, then the camera can be balanced during rotation, but the range of rotation is limited to approximately ±90° due to dimensional constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent rotational mechanisms: the articulated head handles Ytilt and Zpan rotations, while the separate roll mechanism handles Xroll rotation. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized independently, enabling the roll mechanism to achieve full 360° rotation without being constrained by the dimensional limitations that would affect an integrated counterbalancing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling plate serves as an intermediary element between the articulated head and the camera. It provides a mounting interface that allows the camera to be attached while enabling the insertion of the roll mechanism. This intermediary structure facilitates the addition of the third rotational degree of freedom without interfering with the existing articulated head functionality.
2Temperature
If mechanical rotation systems (rack and worm screw) are used to enable lateral rotation, then the center of gravity is lowered, but the rotation range is limited to approximately ±15° and continuous movement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The roll mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics similar to the articulated head, featuring variable fluid dampening that allows smooth, continuous rotation throughout the full 360° range. This dynamic design replaces the static, limited-range mechanical systems and enables fluid motion without discrete positioning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Counterbalancing weights are integrated into the roll mechanism to compensate for the camera's weight during rotation about the Xroll axis. This counterbalancing allows the mechanism to support the camera's weight without requiring significant mechanical energy, enabling smooth rotation throughout the full 360° range.
3Ease of manufacture
If the rotation axis Xroll does not coincide with the focal centre Xfocus, then mechanical rotation is easier to implement, but nodal shooting cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plate and roll mechanism are designed with adjustable mounting positions that allow the rotation axis to be aligned with the camera's focal center. This design provides multi-functionality, enabling both standard operation and nodal shooting applications. The adjustable nature of the mounting interface allows the system to adapt to different shooting requirements without requiring separate mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If fluid dampening and counterbalancing means are integrated into the articulated head, then smooth movement about Zpan and Ytilt axes is achieved, but adding rotation about the third axis requires complex additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent rotational mechanisms: the articulated head handles Ytilt and Zpan rotations, while the separate roll mechanism handles Xroll rotation. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized independently, enabling the roll mechanism to achieve full 360° rotation without being constrained by the dimensional limitations that would affect an integrated counterbalancing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The roll mechanism is merged with the coupling plate structure, integrating the third rotational degree of freedom into the existing mounting interface. This merging approach allows the additional functionality to be added without requiring a completely separate, complex mechanism, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full 360° rotation capability.
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 unrestricted 360° rotation about the Xroll axis and nodal shooting, balancing the system to maintain stability and allowing for fluid dampening or motorized assistance, while adjusting the center of gravity for balanced movements.
Implementation Method 1
a camera fixed on an articulated head permitting the smooth movement with rotation about the Zpan and Ytilt axes, said articulated head being provided with dampening variable fluid means
Implementation Method 2
counterbalancing means, designed to annul the weight of the camera when it is rotated about the Ytilt axis
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a system for supporting a camera, said camera being fixed on an articulated head which allows the homogeneous movement along axes Zpan and Ytilt, said articulated head being equipped with variable fluid dampening means and counterbalancing means, for annulling the weight of the camera when rotated about the Ytilt axis, aid system being equipped with a structure for the rotation of the camera about a third Xroll axis, said structure being interposed between said head, above the same, and said camera, below the same.