Rail-Mounted Aerial Camera Layout for Propeller-Free Stable Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial vehicle systems face challenges in capturing high-quality imaging data during flight due to propeller obstruction and instability, especially when flying at high speeds and performing complex maneuvers, as traditional camera mounting methods result in shaky footage and potential detachment.
Innovation Solution
A flight-capable rail-based system with a vehicle-mounted rail system that securely mounts an imaging device via pan angle-configurable mounts and through-arm dampening, allowing the camera to capture images without obstruction from propellers and maintaining stability during high-speed maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional camera mounting methods are used on aerial vehicles, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the imaging quality deteriorates due to propeller obstruction and vibration instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera on the arm structure of the aerial vehicle, utilizing the three-dimensional space available on the vehicle body. This dimensional relocation moves the camera away from the central propeller zone while maintaining structural integration, thereby improving imaging quality without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The arm structure serves as an intermediary mounting platform between the vehicle body and the camera. This intermediate structure provides both mechanical support and spatial separation from propellers, resolving the contradiction between simple mounting and high-quality imaging
2Stability of the object's composition
If the camera is positioned close to the vehicle body for simple mounting, then the device complexity is low, but the footage becomes shaky during high-speed maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the arm structure for positioning, the mounting bracket for secure attachment, and the camera platform for stability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving footage stability while keeping the overall structure manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The arm structure incorporates curved or angled geometries that provide structural rigidity while accommodating the camera at an optimal position. These curved elements distribute mechanical stresses more effectively, enhancing stability during maneuvers without requiring overly complex rigid structures
3Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted in the center of the vehicle for easy installation, then the ease of operation is high, but the field of view is obstructed by propellers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the camera at the central position (two-dimensional simplicity), the system utilizes the arm structure to position the camera in three-dimensional space away from the propeller plane. This dimensional change eliminates propeller obstruction while maintaining reasonable installation ease through standardized arm interfaces
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 system enables the capture of high-quality, stable image and video data by positioning the camera to avoid propeller obstructions and reducing vibrations, ensuring smoother footage even at high speeds and during complex aerial maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
through-arm dampening
Data Source
AI summary
A flight-capable imaging system includes a set of parallel rails, a power source mounted to the set of parallel rails, an imaging device mounted to the set of parallel rails, an aerial vehicle body mounted to the set of parallel rails, a set of aerial vehicle arms attached to the aerial vehicle body that each include a set of propellers and a motor configured to turn the set of propellers to enable flight of the flight-capable imaging system, and at least one processing module configured to control the flight of the of the flight-capable imaging system based on controlling a motor speed of the motor of each of the set of aerial vehicle arms.