Camera Shock Isolator with Leveling Linkage for Rough Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera support systems struggle to maintain smooth filming sequences due to shock and vibration from irregular floor surfaces, and fail to adequately compensate for camera angulation changes when rolling over bumps or cracks, leading to shaky images and unacceptable lens orientation.
Innovation Solution
A shock and vibration isolating system with adjustable spring and dampener elements that prevent vertical, lateral, and longitudinal disturbances, combined with a leveling system that compensates for camera angulation changes, allowing for improved stability and level orientation of the camera lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If soft tires are used on camera dollies to reduce the effects of floor irregularities, then shock and vibration isolation is improved, but rolling friction increases making the dolly more difficult to move or steer
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation system is divided into separate functional components: vibration isolation elements (for shock reduction) and rolling elements (for movement). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the vibration isolation elements can be soft and compliant while the rolling elements maintain low friction, resolving the contradiction between shock isolation and ease of movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary isolation platform between the camera and the dolly frame. This platform acts as a mediator that absorbs vibrations from the floor through isolation elements while being driven by the rolling elements, separating the functions of vibration absorption and motion transmission to eliminate the trade-off between these two requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If a parallelogram leveling system is used to keep the camera platform level, then local levelness is maintained, but camera angulation changes when the dolly rolls over irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new degree of freedom by allowing the isolation platform to pivot relative to the dolly frame while maintaining camera levelness. This dimensional change enables the system to compensate for dolly angulation independently - the camera remains level on the pivoting platform even when the dolly itself is angled from floor irregularities, resolving the contradiction between platform stability and camera angulation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If track is installed for smooth camera movement, then movement smoothness is improved, but flexibility in changing camera paths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic isolation system where the platform can pivot and adjust in real-time as the dolly moves over irregular surfaces. This dynamic adaptation provides smooth movement without requiring fixed track infrastructure, allowing flexible path changes while maintaining image stability through active vibration compensation rather than constrained rail movement
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 system effectively reduces camera disturbances from irregular surfaces, maintaining smooth and stable footage even on uneven terrain, and adjusts to maintain the camera's intended angle, reducing the impact of floor irregularities on image quality.
Implementation Method 1
One or more springs aligned at a slight angle to the plate exert a spring force between the base and the plate
Implementation Method 2
A dampener element, such as an adjustable viscous shock absorber, exerts a dampening force on the plate
Implementation Method 3
The camera and the plate remaining largely stationary, due to inertia, while the vehicle carrying the camera support moves up and down over bumps, cracks, or other irregularities
Data Source
AI summary
A shock and vibration isolator for a movie or video camera has a vertical axis system including a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, and at least one spring connected to the base and to the arm. One or more dampeners are connected to the base and to the arm. A horizontal axis system is supported by the vertical axis system. A leveling linkage connects the vertical and horizontal axis systems. The leveling linkage has adjustment features that allow for compensation of camera lens angulation caused by movement of the camera supported on a vehicle rolling over rough or uneven ground.