PCB Stator Camera Head for Smooth Pan Tilt With Virtual Inertia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lightweight camera equipment struggles to replicate the smooth movement characteristics of heavier systems, as traditional mechanical systems lack adjustable inertia and physical feedback, making it difficult for operators to achieve smooth panning, tilting, and rolling motions.
Innovation Solution
The use of motorized camera heads with printed circuit board (PCB) stator motors that provide haptic feedback and adjustable mechanical properties, eliminating cogging torque and allowing for customizable feel and physical attributes, such as mass and inertia, to mimic heavier mechanical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional heavy mechanical camera equipment is used, then smooth movements are achieved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical friction and counterbalance systems with electronic motor control systems. Motors equipped with encoders and controlled by microprocessors provide smooth movement through electronic feedback control, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining portability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional friction adjustment or counterbalance systems are used, then basic pan/tilt control is achieved, but adjustability of physical properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability through electronic control systems. Motors can be programmed to change operational parameters in real-time, allowing operators to adjust friction, inertia, and other physical properties dynamically. The encoder feedback enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of motor position and velocity, providing adaptability that fixed mechanical systems cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters through electronic control rather than mechanical adjustment. By modifying motor control parameters such as voltage, current, and feedback gain, the system can simulate different friction levels and inertial characteristics without physical hardware changes, enabling versatile adaptation to different operating conditions.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight camera equipment is used, then portability is improved, but smooth movements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical mass with electronic control to achieve smooth movement. Lightweight motors combined with encoder feedback and microprocessor control create a virtual inertia effect, where the control system compensates for the lack of physical mass by actively regulating motor response to produce smooth, controlled motion.
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
Enables lightweight camera systems to replicate the feel of heavier mechanical systems, providing smooth movements and adjustable physical properties, enhancing operator experience and facilitating remote camera control while maintaining portability.
Implementation Method 1
a first motor comprising a first motor PCB stator; a second motor comprising a second motor PCB stator... where the first motor is configured to cause rotation about a first axis, and the second motor is configured to cause rotation about a second axis
Data Source
AI summary
Camera heads having up to three axes of rotation (e.g., pan, tilt, roll). Each axis of rotation coincides with the rotational output of a PCB stator motor. PCB stator motors are used to prevent cogging and to reduce weight, while giving haptic feedback to a user that allows the camera head to mimic the physical properties of various mechanical camera heads. For example, despite being lightweight, an embodiment of the inventive subject matter can imitate the feel of a much heavier mechanical system.