Detachable 3-Axis Camera Gimbal for Stable Multi-Platform Video

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera gimbals are large, expensive, and not portable, and they fail to accommodate various camera weights and form factors, while also obstructing the camera's field of view and not effectively stabilizing video captured from different mount platforms.

Innovation Solution

A detachable electronic gimbal ecosystem with a 3-axis stabilization system, including an inertial measurement unit and electronic motors, that can be removably coupled to various mount platforms, allowing for platform-specific behavior and minimizing obstruction, while providing stabilization and communication between the camera and the mount platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional gimbal system is used for stabilization, then video stability is improved, but the device becomes large, expensive, and non-portable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo stabilityVSAvoidgimbal size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gimbal system is divided into separate modular components: a camera module that can be detached and replaced, and a handle assembly with integrated stabilization. This segmentation allows the stabilization system to be shared across multiple cameras, reducing overall system cost and complexity while maintaining video stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different camera types and weights. The integrated gimbal stabilization system serves all camera configurations, eliminating the need for separate gimbals for each camera and reducing overall device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fixed gimbal design is used, then stabilization is achieved, but it cannot accommodate various camera weights and form factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization performanceVSAvoidcamera compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gimbal system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to adapt to different camera weights and form factors. The system can modify its stabilization parameters and motor torque based on the detected camera characteristics, maintaining effective stabilization across various camera configurations without requiring a fixed design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as motor torque, stabilization speed, and balance compensation based on the specific camera attached. This parameter adaptation allows the same gimbal hardware to effectively handle various camera weights and form factors while maintaining stabilization performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a traditional gimbal mounting system is used, then stabilization is provided, but it obstructs the camera's field of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo stabilizationVSAvoidfield of view
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gimbal mounting system is repositioned to the handle assembly rather than being attached directly to the camera body. This spatial reconfiguration moves the stabilization components to a different dimension relative to the camera, eliminating obstruction of the field of view while maintaining stabilization functionality through the optical axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables stable video capture across different platforms, accommodating multiple camera types and minimizing obstruction, with a portable and cost-effective solution that adapts to various mount configurations.

Implementation Method 1

including an inertial measurement unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial measurement: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

electronic motors, which can manipulate the orientation of the camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic torque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3650932B1Camera system using stabilizing gimbal
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 GOPRO INC
  • EP3650932B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3650932B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3650932B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic gimbal with camera and mounting configuration. The gimbal can include an inertial measurement unit which can sense the orientation of the camera and three electronic motors which can manipulate the orientation of the camera. The gimbal can be removably coupled to a variety of mount platforms, such as an aerial vehicle, a handheld grip, or a rotating platform. Moreover, a camera can be removably coupled to the gimbal and can be held in a removable camera frame. Also disclosed is a system for allowing the platform, to which the gimbal is mounted, to control settings of the camera or to trigger actions on the camera, such as taking a picture, or initiating the recording of a video. The gimbal can also provide a connection between the camera and the mount platform, such that the mount platform receives images and video content from the camera.