Offset Pivot Hand Controller for Camera Crane

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera crane controllers are challenging for less experienced operators to achieve smooth movements, leading to unwanted noise and stress on crane components.

Innovation Solution

A hand controller with a rocker button pivotally supported on a first axis and an electrical component shaft on a second axis, offset to provide proportional movement, combined with a spring and dampening elements to reduce sensitivity and ensure smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the controller is made more sensitive to operator input, then the responsiveness and control precision is improved, but the smoothness of movement deteriorates and noise/stress on components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidnoise and stress on crane components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system between the rocker button and the potentiometer shaft. This linkage includes a rocker arm pivoting on a first axis that connects to the potentiometer shaft on a second axis through a connecting arm with a slot and pin. This intermediary mechanism transforms the operator's direct hand movements into filtered, smoothed motion that reduces high-frequency vibrations and erratic movements while preserving control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the control system by using offset pivot axes (first axis for rocker button, second axis for potentiometer shaft) that are spaced apart. This geometric parameter change creates a mechanical advantage ratio that reduces the sensitivity of the potentiometer shaft movement relative to the rocker button movement, thereby smoothing the control signal and reducing harmful vibrations and noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the controller uses a direct linkage between rocker button and potentiometer shaft, then the device complexity is reduced, but the smoothness of crane arm movements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller structureVSAvoidsmoothness of movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system between the rocker button and the potentiometer shaft. This linkage includes a rocker arm pivoting on a first axis that connects to the potentiometer shaft on a second axis through a connecting arm with a slot and pin. This intermediary mechanism transforms the operator's direct hand movements into filtered, smoothed motion that reduces high-frequency vibrations and erratic movements while preserving control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the controller is less sensitive to hand movements, then the smoothness of movements is improved and noise is reduced, but the control precision and responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and stressVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the control system by using offset pivot axes (first axis for rocker button, second axis for potentiometer shaft) that are spaced apart. This geometric parameter change creates a mechanical advantage ratio that reduces the sensitivity of the potentiometer shaft movement relative to the rocker button movement, thereby smoothing the control signal and reducing harmful vibrations and noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces a direct mechanical connection with a refined mechanical linkage system that incorporates geometric transformation. The offset axis arrangement and connecting arm with slot create a mechanical filter that substitutes the crude direct transmission with a smoothed motion transformation, reducing high-frequency vibrations while maintaining overall control responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 controller allows for smooth and controlled crane arm movements, reducing noise and stress, even when operated by less experienced personnel, by desensitizing hand movements and preventing erratic jerking.

Implementation Method 1

A spring continuously urges the arm into the center position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A dampening element may used to dampen return movement of the rocker button against the force of the spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8576044B2Hand controller for a camera crane

Publication Date: 2013.11.05 CHAPMAN LEONARD STUDIO EQUIPMENT INC

AI summary

A controller for a camera crane has a rocker button pivotally supported in or on a controller housing about a first pivot axis. A shaft of an electrical component, such as a variable resistor, is on a second pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. An arm is attached to the shaft. A spring urges the arm to a center position. Movement of the rocker button moves the arm. Due to the offset of the first and second pivot axes, movement of the rocker button results in proportionally reduced movement of the shaft of the electronic component. Smooth crane arm movements are readily achieved as the controller is less sensitive to the operators hand or finger movements.