Expandable Rail Joiner for Seamless Camera Slider Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable rail systems for camera slider systems require external joining means, which can lead to minor jitter or shake due to non-seamless joins, disrupting smooth camera movement.
Innovation Solution
A rail element with a radially expandable joiner element, actuated by an expansion device, that securely engages with adjacent rail elements to form a seamless joint, ensuring a smooth sliding surface without external bumps or features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If external joining means are used to connect rail elements, then the rail system can be extended, but the join creates non-seamless transitions that cause jitter and disrupt smooth camera movement
Solution Approach 1:
The joiner element merges the two rail elements into a unified structure by expanding within the hollow interior of the receiving rail element. The expanding joiner element fills the interface between rail elements, creating a seamless transition that eliminates jitter while maintaining extendability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joiner element is nested within the hollow interior of the rail element, similar to a nested doll structure. The joiner element can be inserted in a compressed state and then expanded within the receiving rail element's interior space, allowing the joining mechanism to be contained within the rail structure itself rather than requiring external components.
2Reliability
If a radially expandable joiner element is used to create seamless joins, then smooth camera movement is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the expansion mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The joiner element transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can radially expand and contract. This dynamic capability allows the same component to serve multiple functions: providing structural support in its expanded state and facilitating easy insertion/removal in its contracted state, thereby managing complexity through functional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joiner element's radial dimension is changed through expansion and contraction. By altering its radial parameter, the joiner element can transition between a compact insertion state and an expanded engagement state, enabling seamless joins without requiring complex external fastening mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If the joiner element is made expandable to exert radial force for secure engagement, then seamless connection is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated or longitudinally-channeled features are applied locally to the outer surface of the joiner element, specifically at the regions that contact the inner wall of the receiving rail element. This localized surface treatment provides enhanced engagement without requiring complex changes to the overall manufacturing process of the joiner element itself.
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 provides a seamless connection between rail elements, minimizing seam visibility and ensuring fluid camera movement by exerting radial force for secure engagement, thus preventing jitter and maintaining shot quality.
Implementation Method 1
The squeezed resilient element deforms, i.e. expands, radially outward to engage the joiner element and press it against the inner wall of the open end
Data Source
AI summary
A rail element (10, 33) for a camera slider system or, more generally, a tube joiner for a rail comprised of an expansion device (23, 30), located internally at an open end (12, 32) of a tubular body (11, 33). The expansion device is configured to fit within a male part or joiner element (16, 31) that may be inserted into the end of the tube (10, 33) and can be actuated to an expanded state where it exerts force radially outwards through the joiner (16, 31) to hold it against the open end (12, 32), thereby joining two tubular or rail element ends together.