Lockable Camera Dampers for Vibration Isolation and Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-definition cameras are susceptible to image quality degradation due to vibrations, and existing dampers are prone to damage from excessive forces, necessitating improved stabilization and protection.
Innovation Solution
A camera support system with a base, camera support, and dampers that include a locking system with movable hooks and an actuator to lock the camera support relative to the base, ensuring stability and protection during power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dampers are used to isolate the camera from vibrations, then image quality is improved, but the dampers are prone to damage from excessive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to engage before excessive forces can damage the dampers. When vibration levels exceed a threshold or during transport, the locking mechanism activates to rigidly connect the camera support to the base, preventing further movement that would otherwise be absorbed by the dampers and potentially cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between two states: a flexible state where dampers absorb vibrations during normal operation, and a rigid locked state where the locking system engages to prevent excessive movements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both image quality and damper protection based on operational conditions.
2Reliability
If a locking system is added to protect dampers, then damper reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages when excessive forces are detected or during power loss. The spring biasing member provides the locking force without requiring continuous external power or complex control systems, allowing the system to protect itself autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic locking mechanisms with a purely mechanical spring-loaded locking system. This mechanical approach uses simple components like springs, hooks, and biasing members to achieve reliable automatic locking, eliminating the need for complex electronic controls while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the locking system automatically locks during power loss, then safety is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed with a manual release mechanism that can be easily activated by the operator. This separate manual control allows the user to disengage the automatic locking system when needed, providing a simple way to override the automatic safety feature without requiring complex procedures or tools.
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 effectively stabilizes high-definition cameras by damping vibrations and automatically locks the camera support to prevent damage from excessive forces, maintaining image quality and protecting the dampers.
Implementation Method 1
the camera support system having a magnet and a magnetically-attractable plate, one of the magnet and the magnetically-attractable plate mounted to the one of the first member and the second member, the other of the magnet and the magnetically-attractable plate mounted to a corresponding one of the base and the camera support, the magnet magnetically connected to the magnetically-attractable plate in the second position
Implementation Method 2
at least one damper operatively connected to the base and to the camera support, the at least one damper operable to dampen movements between the camera support and the base
Data Source
AI summary
A camera support system for a high-definition camera, comprising: a base; a camera support disposed over the base; at least one damper operatively connected to the base and to the camera support and operable to dampen movements between the camera support and the base; a locking system operable to lock the camera support in relationship to the base, the locking system having a first member mounted to the base and a second member mounted to the camera support, the first member movable relative to the second member, the first member and the second member matingly engageable to one another, the locking system having a locked configuration in which the first member is engaged to the second member and in which movements of the camera support are blocked, and an unlocked configuration in which the first member is disengaged from the second member and in which the camera support is movable.