Magnetic Gimbal Quick-Release for Automatic Device Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld gimbals require manual adjustment of the mobile phone or camera to align the center of gravity with the gimbal axes each time the device is mounted, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A magnet-based quick release assembly with attraction members that allow for detachable mounting of electronic devices on the gimbal, enabling automatic alignment and secure coupling through magnetic attraction, allowing for quick and precise attachment without repeated adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used to align the center of gravity with gimbal axes, then the device can be mounted on the handheld gimbal, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly and mounting structure are pre-configured with attraction members positioned at specific locations and orientations. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the mounting structure approaches the connector assembly, the magnetic attraction automatically guides the alignment of centers of gravity with the gimbal axes, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during the mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the interaction between attraction members to automatically achieve proper alignment. The magnetic attraction force self-adjusts the relative positions and orientations of the connector assembly and mounting structure, causing the centers of gravity to align with the respective gimbal axes without external intervention. This self-aligning mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the system self-correcting rather than requiring time-consuming manual adjustment.
2Productivity
If the mobile phone clip is permanently installed on the handheld gimbal, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot be quickly detached and reattached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms (screws, clips, latches) with a magnetic field-based attraction system. The attraction members generate magnetic forces that provide both the connecting function and the alignment function, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures. This substitution achieves quick detachable mounting while maintaining structural simplicity, as the magnetic field is invisible and requires no additional mechanical components.
3Extent of automation
If manual alignment adjustment is required each time the device is mounted, then the mounting structure can be simple, but the user intervention is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates implicit feedback through the magnetic attraction force. As the mounting structure approaches the connector assembly, the attraction force increases and provides directional guidance, creating a self-correcting feedback mechanism that automatically guides the alignment. The strength and direction of the magnetic force provide real-time feedback about the alignment status, causing the centers of gravity to naturally converge with the gimbal axes without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The attraction members are designed to automatically perform the alignment function that would otherwise require user intervention. The magnetic interaction between the connector assembly and mounting structure self-adjusts their relative positions and orientations, making the system self-aligning. This eliminates the need for users to manually adjust the position of the electronic device to ensure proper center of gravity alignment with the gimbal axes.
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
Facilitates quick and secure attachment of electronic devices to the gimbal, ensuring proper alignment and reducing user intervention for optimal image stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
The connector assembly includes one or more attraction members (e.g., magnets) for detachably mounting an electronic device on the gimbal body
Implementation Method 2
The one or more attraction members are configured to cause at least one of the connector assembly or a mounting structure attached to the electronic device to rotate in a direction such that the connector assembly is coupled to the mounting structure
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal includes a gimbal body, and a connector assembly operably coupled with the gimbal body. The connector assembly comprises one or more attraction structures for detachably mounting an electronic structure on the gimbal body, and an electrical interface. The one or more attraction structures are configured to cause at least one of the connector assembly or a mounting structure attached to the electronic structure to rotate in a direction such that the connector assembly is coupled to the mounting structure. The electronic structure is electrically connected to the gimbal body through the electrical interface.