Electromagnetic Gimbal Camera Locking for Low-Noise Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms in cameras and gimbals, which typically use BLDC, VCM, or STM motors, face issues such as structural complexity, large size, heavy weight, loud noise, and short service life, failing to meet market needs.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism utilizing a coil assembly and a magnetic attraction assembly that moves under a magnetic field force to lock or unlock a movable member, eliminating the need for a transmission mechanism and reducing mechanical noise, with a simple structure and high operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional motors (BLDC, VCM, or STM) are used to drive the lock shaft, then the locking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional motor-driven mechanical locking system with an electromagnetic locking system. The coil assembly generates a magnetic field that directly acts on the movable member through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for motors, transmission mechanisms, and lock shafts. This substitution of mechanical components with electromagnetic components resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable locking while dramatically simplifying the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary transmission mechanism from the locking system. By using direct magnetic attraction between the coil assembly and movable member, the intermediate transmission components (gears, shafts, linkages) are completely eliminated. This extraction of redundant mechanical elements simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the locking function.
2Reliability
If traditional motors are used to drive the lock shaft, then the locking function is achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic locking system replaces heavy motor components with a lightweight coil assembly. The coil assembly, which generates magnetic fields through electrical current, has significantly less mass compared to motor assemblies with rotors, stators, and transmission mechanisms. This substitution directly addresses the weight issue while maintaining locking reliability through magnetic force.
3Reliability
If traditional motors are used to drive the lock shaft, then the locking function is achieved, but mechanical noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation with electromagnetic actuation. The coil assembly generates magnetic fields that move the movable member without mechanical contact or friction, eliminating the noise generated by motors, gears, and sliding components. This electromagnetic-to-mechanical direct conversion significantly reduces harmful mechanical noise.
4Reliability
If traditional motors are used to drive the lock shaft, then the locking function is achieved, but the service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic locking system eliminates mechanical wear components such as motor brushes, gear teeth, and sliding surfaces. The coil assembly and movable member interact through magnetic fields without physical contact during operation, preventing wear and fatigue that limit the service life of motor-driven systems. This contactless electromagnetic interaction significantly extends the operational lifespan of the locking mechanism.
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 compact, low-noise, and reliable locking mechanism with a small size, improved operational efficiency, and extended service life, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The coil assembly or the magnetic attraction assembly is configured to move closer to or away from the movable member under an action of a magnetic field force in response to the coil assembly being energized
Data Source
AI summary
A camera includes a sensor assembly and a lock mechanism. The sensor assembly includes a movable member and an image sensor coupled to the movable member and configured to move together with the movable member. The lock mechanism is configured to lock the movable member to limit movement of the movable member. The lock mechanism includes a coil assembly and a magnetic attraction assembly. The coil assembly or the magnetic attraction assembly is configured to move closer to or away from the movable member under an action of a magnetic field force in response to the coil assembly being energized, to lock or unlock the movable member.