PCB Stator Motors for Camera Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera stabilization systems are overly complex and heavy, leading to operator fatigue and inefficiencies, as they do not effectively align the axes of rotation with the camera's image sensor, and fail to utilize printed circuit board (PCB) motors for weight reduction and simplicity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera head system using PCB stator motors for roll, tilt, and pan movements, where the motors are configured as annuli with open centers to accommodate a camera, allowing for direct drive and high torque output while minimizing weight and complexity, with bearings and mounting frames for precise alignment and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional belt or chain drive systems are used to transfer mechanical energy to rotating mechanisms, then the system can achieve camera stabilization and rotation control, but the system weight increases and mechanical complexity increases leading to more part failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional belt or chain drive mechanical systems with direct-drive PCB motors. The PCB motors integrate the stator, rotor, and drive electronics into a single compact unit that directly rotates the camera platform without requiring intermediate mechanical transmission components. This substitution eliminates belts, chains, and associated mechanical linkages, thereby reducing system weight and improving reliability by removing potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the motor, control electronics, and mechanical drive functions into an integrated PCB motor assembly. The PCB stator contains both the magnetic components and the control circuitry, while the rotor is directly coupled to the camera platform. This consolidation of multiple subsystems into a single integrated unit reduces overall system weight and complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional belt or chain drive systems are used to transfer mechanical energy to rotating mechanisms, then the system can achieve camera stabilization and rotation control, but the system complexity increases creating more opportunities for part failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with direct-drive PCB motors. The integrated PCB motor assembly eliminates the need for belts, chains, pulleys, and other mechanical transmission components, thereby dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and the number of potential failure points while maintaining effective camera stabilization and rotation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB motor assembly performs multiple functions within a single integrated unit: it provides motor rotation, houses control electronics, and directly drives the camera platform. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the axes of rotation do not coincide with the camera's image sensor, then the system can be simpler to construct, but image stabilization becomes less effective and camera movements less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The direct-drive PCB motor system enables precise alignment of the rotation axes with the camera's image sensor by eliminating intermediate mechanical transmission components that would introduce alignment errors. The direct coupling between the motor rotor and camera platform allows for more accurate positioning of the rotation axes, thereby improving image stabilization precision without requiring overly complex alignment mechanisms.
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
This configuration results in a lightweight, compact, and balanced camera stabilization system that reduces operator fatigue, enables precise camera movements, and simplifies balancing by aligning the camera's axes of rotation with its image sensor, allowing for longer shoots and easier operation.
Implementation Method 1
a roll motor configured as an annulus having an open center portion, where the roll motor comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) roll motor stator and a roll motor rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to PCB stator motors having radially positioned wheel-based bearings for the rotor, including PCB stator motors that are included in camera stabilizing and control systems. PCB stator motors of the inventive subject matter feature a rotor that creates a slot into which a PCB stator is disposed. Surrounding that rotor is a set of wheels having, e.g., grooves into which an outer edge of the rotor can be disposed. The set of wheels enables the rotor to rotate smoothly as a result of a motor controller activating the PCB stator. In some embodiments, an annular roll motor is accompanied by one or more tilt motors to create a camera system that can, e.g., actively stabilize a camera that is disposed at least partially within the roll motor's interior space.