Gimbal Mounting Arrangement for Independent Axis COG Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera stabilization systems face challenges in achieving precise and independent adjustability of the center of gravity (COG) along multiple axes, leading to unwanted movements and excessive strain on motors due to the interdependence of adjustments in prior systems.

Innovation Solution

A stabilization system with a mounting arrangement that allows independent adjustment of the payload along each of the pan, tilt, and roll axes without affecting the other axes, utilizing releasable adjustment means to prevent unintended movements and ensure precise balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the mounting arrangement allows independent adjustment along each rotational axis, then the centering precision of COG is improved and motor strain is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to multiple adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCOG centering precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment system is segmented into three independent adjustment mechanisms, each dedicated to a specific rotational axis (first, second, and third axes). Each mechanism includes its own adjustment element that can modify the mounting arrangement position along its designated axis without interfering with other axes, enabling precise COG centering through independent control of each degree of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are provided for each rotational axis, then the ease of operation is improved for COG centering, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCOG centering easeVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating for its specific axis. The adjustment elements can be independently manipulated to achieve the desired mounting arrangement position along each rotational axis without requiring coordination with or adjustment of other axes, making the system easy to operate for COG centering while keeping each mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3033563B1Hand-held or vehicle mounted camera stabilization system
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 FREEFLY SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3033563B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3033563B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3033563B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A stabilization system or gimbal having a mounting arrangement (3) for a camera providing for rotation about pan, roll, and tilt axes (210, 230, 220) where tilt and roll axis (220, 230) position can be independently adjusted is described. The arrangement can be configured so that when adjusting the stabilization frame relative to the roll axis, adjustment of the camera COG relative to the tilt axis is inhibited. The system can further be arranged such that when adjusting the roll axis, adjustment relative to the tilt axis is inhibited. Similarly, when adjusting the pan axis, adjustment to the tilt or roll axes may be inhibited.