Shoulder Support System with Waist Struts for Camera Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Professional-quality handheld video cameras are heavy, causing significant load on the shoulder and spine of operators, leading to potential long-term back and spine issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a false shoulder with adjustable support struts connected to a waist belt, distributing the camera's weight from the shoulder to the hips and legs, featuring optional padding and a resilient strut for shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted on the shoulder, then the operator can maintain stable control and proper positioning, but the shoulder and spine bear considerable load leading to potential long-term back and spine issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support system comprising a waist belt, struts, and a shoulder pad as an intermediary structure between the camera and the operator's body. The waist belt anchors to the operator's waist, struts extend upward to support the camera, and the shoulder pad provides a resting surface. This intermediary structure transfers the load from the shoulder to the waist and legs, eliminating direct shoulder bearing while maintaining camera stability and control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support struts are made rigid, then the camera remains steady, but the system cannot accommodate users of different sizes and preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable-length struts that can be modified to accommodate different user heights and preferences while maintaining structural support. The struts can be extended or retracted to different lengths, allowing the same support system to adapt to various body types and operational requirements while keeping the camera steady at the appropriate height and angle.
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
Reduces the load on the thoracic and lumbar regions, providing comfort and stability for the operator while allowing for adjustable height and angle settings, thus minimizing the risk of back injuries.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one support strut may be resilient. The at least one support strut may act as a shock absorber, to protect the shoulder of the user and/or to help keep the camera steady despite up-and-down or other motion of the body.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting a video camera on the shoulder of a camera operator shifts the weight of the camera away from the shoulder area and to a portion or portions of the body better adapted to bear weight, such as at the waist. The apparatus may have a false shoulder on which the camera rests, preferably without securing the camera to the upper surface of the false shoulder to allow for freedom of camera movement. One or more support struts transfer weight from the false shoulder to the other portion of the body.