Offset Axis Camera Support Head for 360 Tilt Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera support heads with L-type structures limit camera rotation along the tilt plane to an arc of 250°-270° due to the tripod or dolly entering the shooting plane when the camera is rotated downward, restricting artistic shooting possibilities.

Innovation Solution

A camera support head with a snood on the 90° coupling between the arms, allowing a 360° rotation along a second vertical axis offset and parallel to the pan plane axis, and featuring a joint with fixing/release mechanisms for variable orientation, enabling full 360° rotation and passage of camera supply wires through the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is rotated downward along the tilt plane in conventional L-type support heads, then the camera achieves downward orientation, but the tripod or dolly enters the shooting plane and blocks the view, limiting rotation to 250°-270°

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera rotation rangeVSAvoidtripod/dolly blocking shooting plane
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a second vertical axis of rotation that is offset and parallel to the first vertical axis. This dimensional change allows the camera to rotate 360° along the tilt plane without the support structure entering the shooting plane, as the offset axis positions the tripod/dolly outside the camera's rotational path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support head is divided into two separate vertical axes of rotation rather than a single axis. The first vertical axis handles pan rotation, while the second offset vertical axis handles tilt rotation. This segmentation allows independent rotation around each axis, enabling full 360° tilt rotation without the support structure interfering with the shooting plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the L-type bracket uses a fixed 90° coupling between arms, then the structure is simple and stable, but the camera rotation is limited to 250°-270° along the tilt plane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket structure stabilityVSAvoidcamera orientation freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed 90° coupling between the first and second arms is replaced with a rotatable joint that allows the second vertical arm to rotate 360° relative to the first horizontal arm along a second vertical axis. This dynamic joint maintains structural stability while enabling full rotational freedom for camera orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of a single vertical axis for tilt rotation, the invention introduces a second vertical axis that is offset and parallel to the first vertical axis. This dimensional change allows the camera to achieve full 360° rotation along the tilt plane without the support structure entering the shooting plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera support head allows full 360° rotation along both pan and tilt planes, then artistic shooting possibilities are maximized, but the tripod or dolly enters the shooting plane when camera is rotated downward

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveartistic shooting possibilitiesVSAvoidsupport structure in shooting plane
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a second vertical axis of rotation that is offset and parallel to the first vertical axis. This offset positioning moves the support structure (tripod/dolly) outside the camera's rotational path, allowing full 360° tilt rotation without the support structure entering the shooting plane and blocking the view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation functionality is segmented into two independent vertical axes: the first vertical axis for pan rotation and the second offset vertical axis for tilt rotation. This segmentation allows the camera to rotate 360° along both planes simultaneously without the support structure interfering with the shooting plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2172686B1Camera support head for a motion picture camera for cinematographic, television and like shootings
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 CARTONI SPA
  • EP2172686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2172686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2172686B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a camera support head (1) for motion picture, TV and like shootings, comprising an L shake structure, comprising a first horizontal arm (2), that is rotatably coupled along a 360° arc (pan plane) about a first vertical axis (A), with a support element (3), such as a tripod, a dolly and like, and a second vertical arm (4), coupled at the bottom with said first horizontal arm (2), and bearing above a camera support bracket (5), said camera support bracket (5) being coupled with said second vertical arm (4) so as to be able to rotate along a 360° arc (tilt plane), said support head (1) being characterized in that coupling between said first horizontal arm (2) and said second vertical arm (4) permitting rotation each other along a 360° arc, about a second vertical axis (C), offset and parallel with respect to said first vertical axis (A), said rotation being adjustable and fixable.