Counterbalancing structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counterbalancing structures for camera support heads have a limited load range and require manual calibration for optimal pre-compression of elastic means, which is not effective across varying load configurations and angles of inclination.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalancing structure with an adjustable mechanism that automatically tunes the pre-compression of elastic means using a movable upper pulley and transmission gears, allowing for optimal load balancing across different weights and angles without manual calibration, featuring a system with pre-compressed elastic means and a pulley mechanism that adjusts the load capacity and pre-loading based on the position of the upper pulley.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pre-compression configuration of elastic means is used, then the counterbalancing structure can maintain stable equilibrium, but it has a limited load range and cannot adapt to different weight loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pre-compression of the elastic means adjustable through a movable first upper pulley along a vertical axis. This allows the counterbalancing mechanism to adapt dynamically to different load configurations and weight ranges (35 kg to 90 kg) rather than being fixed, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the pre-compression force of the elastic means to be varied through the movement of the upper pulley. This changes the physical parameter of elastic force to match different load requirements, enabling the system to handle a wider load range while maintaining optimal counterbalancing performance.
2Reliability
If manual calibration is performed to achieve optimal pre-compression of elastic means, then the response quality to load configurations improves, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the operator to adjust the pre-compression of the elastic means directly through the movable upper pulley mechanism without requiring external calibration tools or complex preparatory actions. The system serves itself by allowing direct adjustment of the critical parameter (pre-compression) through simple pulley movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing the pre-compression of the elastic means to be adjusted in advance through the movable pulley system before the actual load is applied. This preliminary adjustment ensures optimal response quality from the start without requiring complex calibration procedures during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mass center of the load varies with angular position, then the load can be positioned at different angles, but the counterbalancing must continuously compensate for the varying overturning momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the pre-compression of the elastic means to be adjusted dynamically as the load angle changes. The movable upper pulley enables real-time adaptation of the counterbalancing force to match the varying mass center position, maintaining equilibrium stability across the full angular range (0° to +90° and 0° to -90°).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the adjustable pulley system that responds to the load position. As the camera rotates and the mass center shifts, the operator can adjust the pulley position to provide the appropriate counterbalancing force, creating a feedback loop that maintains equilibrium despite varying angular positions.
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 solution enables a broader load range and improved response to varying load configurations, ensuring optimal counterbalancing at different angles of inclination, effectively supporting loads between 35 kg and 90 kg without manual calibration, and maintaining energetic balance.
Implementation Method 1
precompressed elastic means, a rope or line fixed at a first end to said elastic means
Implementation Method 2
group of pre-compressed elastic elements
Implementation Method 3
first movable pulleys group comprising at least a first upper pulley, at least a rope or line passing at least on said at least a first upper pulley
Implementation Method 4
rope or line fixed at a first end to said elastic means and at the second end to said support means
Implementation Method 5
adjusting mechanism for the adjusting of the pre-compression of said elastic means configured in such a way to adjust the pre-compression by means of the movement of said at least a first upper pulley along said second axis
Implementation Method 6
counterbalancing a load, said support means being able to rotate along a plane or vertical plane with respect to a first axis or vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a counterbalancing structure (1) for counterbalancing a load, where the counterbalancing structure (1) has support means (3) for the support of the load, said support means (3) being able to rotate along a plane or vertical plane (β) with respect to a first axis or vertical axis (y) laying on said plane (β), a first movable pulley group (2) having at least a first upper pulley (4, 5), precompressed elastic means (10), and at least a rope or line (11, 12) fixed at a first end to said elastic means (10) and at the second end to the support means (3), the at least a rope (11, 12) passing at least on at least a first upper pulley (4, 5) such to act in compression on the elastic means (10) when the load is coupled to the support means (3).