Camera Stabilization Rig with Articulated Rods and Counterbalancing Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera stabilization systems for handheld cameras require excessive body movement and orientation, leading to strain on the cameraman and limited flexibility in capturing images, especially during extended periods or complex maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A camera stabilization rig with two shoulder supports and elongate rods that pivot and rotate, allowing for independent movement of each rod with multiple degrees of freedom, including vertical rotation, horizontal rotation, sliding motion, and twisting, along with adjustable springs and handles for locking and reconfiguring the camera position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If prior art stabilization systems are used, then camera stabilization is improved, but cameraman flexibility and control range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is divided into multiple independent segments: shoulder supports, rods, articulation joints, and camera mounting. Each segment can move independently with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the cameraman to adjust camera position and orientation without moving the entire body excessively, thus maintaining both stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic articulation joints that allow continuous adjustment of rod angles and camera positioning. The joints enable movement in multiple planes, transforming the rigid prior art systems into flexible, adaptable structures that can accommodate various shooting angles and positions while maintaining camera stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If prior art stabilization systems are used, then camera isolation from body motion is improved, but cameraman strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses springs and counterbalancing mechanisms at the articulation joints to offset the camera weight and reduce the effort required by the cameraman to position and hold the camera. This counterbalancing allows extended use without excessive strain while maintaining effective isolation of the camera from unwanted body motions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If prior art stabilization systems are used, then stabilization control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex stabilization function is divided into simpler modular components: shoulder supports for basic mounting, rods for positioning, and articulation joints for fine adjustment. Each module performs a specific function, making the overall complex system manageable, maintainable, and adaptable while achieving effective stabilization control.
Data Source
AI summary
A rig for supporting a camera. A left rod and a right rod, each rod extending generally forwards and having a front end and a back end. Each rod configured to be operably connected to the other rod via a support structure that is configured for supporting a camera, each rod having a sliding element configured to operably connect each rod to the support structure, each sliding element being configured to be moveable towards and, alternatingly, away from the back end. Each rod is equipped with a spring positioned to bias each sliding element toward a registration position in relation to the back end, so that forward movement of the sliding element from the registration position develops a backward bias in the spring, and backward movement of the sliding element from the registration position develops a forward bias in the spring.