Detachable Camera Gimbal With IMU Control for Unobstructed Stabilization
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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 moving platforms like aerial vehicles or handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
A detachable electronic gimbal system with 3-axis stabilization that includes an inertial measurement unit and electronic motors for pitch, roll, and yaw adjustments, allowing for secure mounting on multiple platforms and minimizing obstruction, while enabling communication and control between the camera and platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing camera gimbals are used for stabilization, then video stability is improved, but the equipment becomes large, expensive, and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal system is divided into separate modular components: a camera module that can be detached and replaced, and a gimbal body that provides stabilization. This segmentation allows the heavy stabilization mechanism to be shared while enabling lightweight camera attachments, thus improving portability while maintaining video stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different camera types and weights through standardized mounting interfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gimbals for each camera type, reducing overall equipment cost and complexity while maintaining stabilization performance.
2Reliability
If a traditional gimbal is designed for specific camera weights, then stabilization performance is optimized, but it cannot accommodate various camera types with different weights and form factors
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal system dynamically adapts to different camera weights and configurations through electronic calibration and control parameter adjustment. The system detects the mounted camera's characteristics and automatically adjusts stabilization algorithms, allowing optimal performance across various camera types without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal control system changes operational parameters such as motor torque, damping coefficients, and stabilization strength based on the detected camera weight and type. This parameter adaptation enables the same gimbal hardware to maintain reliable stabilization performance across a wide range of camera configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gimbal components are added to stabilize camera, then video stability is improved, but the field of view of the camera is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is extracted as a separate detachable component from the gimbal body, positioned at the front where it has an unobstructed field of view. The stabilization components (motors, sensors, processing units) are taken out and placed in the rear gimbal body, eliminating obstruction of the camera's optical path while maintaining video stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal system operates in the mechanical stabilization dimension (correcting camera movement) rather than obstructing the optical dimension (field of view). By applying stabilization forces through the mounting interface and using electronic image stabilization, the system achieves video stability without physically blocking the camera's field of view.
4Reliability
If a secure mounting mechanism is used to attach gimbal to platform, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism merges mechanical attachment functions with electrical connection functions into a single integrated interface. The same connection point secures the camera module mechanically while simultaneously providing power and data communication, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and cables, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
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 stable video capture on diverse platforms, supports multiple camera types, and reduces the size and cost of stabilization equipment, enhancing portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
An inertial measurement unit can be included in the gimbal to detect the orientation of the camera
Implementation Method 2
A first electronic motor can be connected to the first motor shaft. Torque can be applied by the first electronic motor to rotate the first motor shaft about a first axis of rotation
Data Source
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.