Robotic Cable Mounts for 3D Camera Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for moving objects in entertainment and filming, such as props and cameras, are limited by manual control and mechanical constraints, restricting their versatility and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The use of robotic cable mounts that can change the position, orientation, and length of cables to which objects are mounted, allowing for precise and automated movement in three-dimensional space, controlled by motors and a controller system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual methods (ropes and pulleys) are used to move props, then the system is simple to operate, but the versatility and effectiveness of movement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of movementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical systems (ropes and pulleys) with a robotic system that uses motors to control cable positions. This substitution enables automated, precise, and versatile movement of objects while reducing the complexity of manual operation, directly resolving the contradiction between movement versatility and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a camera is mounted on a dolly or boom, then the camera can be moved to various locations, but control over the movement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over movementVSAvoidmounting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional camera mounting systems (dolly or boom) with a robotic cable mount system that uses motors to precisely control cable positions. This enables automated, programmable movement with high degrees of freedom, providing superior control over camera positioning while managing system complexity through automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If robotic cable mounts are used to change cable position, then control over cable-mounted objects is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated movement controlVSAvoidrobotic mount complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the robotic system into modular components, with each robotic cable mount controlling specific cables independently. This segmentation allows for automated movement control of cable-mounted objects while managing overall system complexity through modular design, where each module can be controlled independently by its own controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11787039B2Method and system for moving cable-mounted objects using robotic mounts

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 FLESSAS ANDREW

AI summary

A cable-mounted object, such as a camera, is movable using one or more robotic cable mounts. The robotic cable mounts have a head which support a first portion of the cable. The head is movable in three-dimensional space, such as linearly along three orthogonal axis (or combinations thereof). Changes in the position of the head of the robotic mount change the position of the cable, thus changing the position of the cable-mounted object. In one embodiment, two ends of cable may be connected to first and second robotic cable mounts, or an object might be mounted to multiple cables, each of which is connected to a different robotic mount.