Helicopter Swing-Down Camera Mount with Counterweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helicopter camera mounts restrict the 360-degree field of view and cause weight imbalances due to fixed positioning, which obstructs the device's view and requires aircraft crabbing to compensate for the imbalance.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with a frame, axle, arm, counterweight, and motor that allows the imaging device to be repositioned, maintaining a stable center of gravity, and includes sensors and a processor for automatic adjustment, enabling unhindered 360-degree viewing and balancing the weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed bracketry mount is used to provide structural strength, then the device can bear loads during aircraft maneuvering and rough landing, but the device's field of view is hindered by the helicopter structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable mount system that allows the imaging device to be repositioned from a fixed position to multiple positions, including below the helicopter skids, where it can achieve an unobstructed 360-degree field of view while maintaining structural strength through proper mounting design
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heavy camera gimbal is installed on one side of the aircraft, then the imaging function is achieved, but weight imbalance occurs requiring crabbing of the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counterweight mechanism that balances the heavy camera gimbal on the mounting system, eliminating weight imbalance and the need for aircraft crabbing while maintaining the imaging function
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging device is positioned below the lowest point of the helicopter, then an unobstructed 360-degree view is achieved, but the device cannot be used during takeoff and landing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable mount that can transition the imaging device between a stowed position (above the skids) for takeoff and landing, and a deployed position (below the skids) for unobstructed 360-degree viewing during flight operations
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 system provides an unobstructed 360-degree view and minimizes weight imbalance, ensuring stable aircraft control and easy operation by automatically adjusting the device's position based on sensor data, enhancing the functionality and usability of helicopter-mounted imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to control rotation of the axle
Implementation Method 2
The counterweight is configured such that re-positioning of the imaging device will result in a corresponding re-positioning of the counterweight
Data Source
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AI summary
A swing down mount system (10) for mounting a camera gimbal (16) or other viewing/recording device to a helicopter is disclosed. The system comprises a frame (11), an axle (12) mounted on the frame, a first arm (14) attached to the axle, a camera gimbal (16) or other device mounted on the first arm (14), and one or more counterweights (20). During landing and takeoff, the system is positioned substantially horizontally below the fuselage of the helicopter so that the helicopter can touch down on the ground without interference from the system. In the air, the mount is able to position the camera gimbal (16) below the skids (22) or wheels of the helicopter so that the camera gimbal (16) has a 360-degree field of view that is unobstructed by the structure of the helicopter. When the camera gimbal (16) is moved from one position to another, the counterweights (20) swing in opposition such that the lateral center of gravity remains substantially unchanged or within acceptable limits.