Camera Track Structure for Torsional Rigidity and Anti-Wandering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera platform tracks lack torsional rigidity and are not designed for independent movement of multiple camera platforms, leading to issues like camera wandering and inefficient operation, especially when using wide-angle and long focal length lenses for capturing dynamic scenes.
Innovation Solution
A camera platform track with a box base and an I-beam structure that provides improved torsional rigidity and strength-to-weight ratio, featuring offset top running surfaces and grooved lower surfaces to prevent wandering and enhance traction, allowing for independent movement of multiple camera platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single I-beam structure is used for the track, then the track can be moved and assembled easily, but the track lacks torsional rigidity and flexes introducing undesired motion into video
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an I-beam structure with a box structure to create a hybrid track design. The box portions provide torsional rigidity while the I-beam sections maintain ease of assembly and movement. This merging of two structural types resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The track uses a composite structural design combining different structural forms (I-beam and box sections) within the same track system. This composite approach allows the track to simultaneously achieve the ease of assembly characteristic of I-beams and the torsional rigidity characteristic of box structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a sufficiently strong I-beam track is used to improve torsional rigidity, then the track resists flexing, but the track becomes too heavy for easy movement and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges I-beam sections with box sections in an alternating pattern along the track. The box sections are positioned where torsional rigidity is most needed, while I-beam sections are used where weight reduction is prioritized, creating an optimized hybrid structure that balances strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The track design applies different structural qualities to different locations along the track. Box sections with high torsional rigidity are placed at specific intervals where structural stability is critical, while lighter I-beam sections are used in between, creating a locally optimized structure that provides rigidity only where needed.
3Ease of operation
If the top running surfaces are spaced to match camera platform wheel spacing, then the camera platforms operate smoothly, but the cameras wander during filming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally creates an asymmetric or non-matching relationship between the track running surface spacing and the camera platform wheel spacing. This deliberate mismatch prevents the wheels from following the track contours, thereby eliminating camera wandering while still allowing smooth operation through proper wheel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The track design incorporates a preliminary anti-action by deliberately misaligning the running surfaces in a way that counteracts the tendency of cameras to wander. This pre-built countermeasure prevents the wandering problem before it occurs during filming operations.
4Ease of operation
If smooth running surfaces are used on the track, then the camera platforms can move freely, but friction drive motors operate inefficiently and create slipping and environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different parts of the track. The running surfaces have localized traction-enhancing features (such as grooves or patterns) only in the areas where motor drive wheels contact the track, while other areas remain smooth to allow free movement of camera platforms. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between smooth operation and motor efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera platform track provides running surfaces for independent movement of two or more camera platforms, improves strength to weight ratio, improves torsional rigidity, restricts camera platforms from wandering during filming, and improves traction. The camera platform track includes top running surfaces for a first camera platform, and one or more lower running surfaces for additional camera platforms, allowing desired versatility in filming. The camera platform tracks include a box base and an I-beam reaching up from the base to provide strength and torsional rigidity without excessive weight. The running surface lateral spacing may vary from camera platform wheel spacing providing centering to reduce or eliminate wandering, and may include grooves to improve traction. wandering, and may include grooves to improve traction.