Single-Motor PTZ Camera with Helical Groove Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cameras with PTZ capabilities require two electric motors for up/down and horizontal movement, complicating control, increasing size, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A camera design using a single electric motor with an external gear and internal gear system, combined with annular and helical grooves, allows for both up/down and horizontal movement of the camera head, simplifying control and reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two electric motors are used to drive up/down movement and horizontal rotation of the camera head respectively, then the camera can achieve PTZ surveillance range, but the control becomes more complicated and the size and cost of the camera significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate motor systems into a single motor system. One electric motor drives both the up/down movement and horizontal rotation of the camera head through a mechanical transmission mechanism involving gears and a rack, eliminating the need for two separate motors and simplifying the control system while maintaining full PTZ functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive the camera head to move up and down, rotate horizontally, and remain stationary. The motor works in conjunction with a transmission mechanism that includes a rack with annular and straight grooves, allowing one motor to control multiple degrees of freedom of the camera head
2Adaptability or versatility
If two electric motors are used to drive up/down movement and horizontal rotation of the camera head respectively, then the camera can achieve PTZ surveillance range, but the size of the camera significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor assemblies into one compact motor unit. The single motor is positioned within the camera body and connected to the camera head through a transmission mechanism, significantly reducing the space required compared to housing two separate motors while still achieving full pan-tilt-zoom surveillance capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If two electric motors are used to drive up/down movement and horizontal rotation of the camera head respectively, then the camera can achieve PTZ surveillance range, but the cost of the camera significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two expensive motor components into a single motor, directly reducing the bill of materials cost. The simplified assembly process requiring only one motor installation, one wiring harness, and one control channel also reduces manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining full PTZ surveillance functionality
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 simpler control and reduced size and cost by using a single motor for both movements, while maintaining effective surveillance range.
Implementation Method 1
an external gear being mounted on an output shaft of the electric motor; and an internal gear meshed with the external gear
Implementation Method 2
an annular groove and at least one helical groove extending upward from the annular groove are formed on an outer wall of a lower-half part of the cylindrical housing of the camera head assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera, comprising: a base; a cylindrical hollow main body mounted to the base; an electric motor supported on a support, with an external gear being mounted on an output shaft of the electric motor; a camera head assembly, comprising a cylindrical housing, a lens module, and a motherboard for controlling the electric motor and the lens module; and an internal gear meshed with the external gear. One of the support and the internal gear is mounted in a fixed manner to the base or in the hollow main body, and the other one is mounted in a fixed manner to the camera head assembly. An annular groove and at least one helical groove extending upward from the annular groove are formed on an outer wall of a lower-half part of the cylindrical housing, a corresponding circular guiding protrusion is disposed on an inner wall of the hollow main body, and each circular guiding protrusion is capable of being received in the annular groove or in the helical groove, such that up/down movement and horizontal rotation of the camera head assembly is driven by the single electric motor. According to the present invention, control of the camera is simplified, and the size and cost thereof are reduced.