Time-Lapse Camera Mount With Nested Rotational Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time-lapse photography setups are limited to translational movements of the image-capture device, resulting in visual effects that are only noticeable for objects close to the device, lacking dynamic movement and variety.
Innovation Solution
A mount system with a drive shaft, support member, and rotational wheel mechanism that allows for combined rotational and translational movements of the image-capture device, enabling dynamic time-lapse photography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image-capture device is held static or moved only translationally, then the field of view remains relatively constant and the setup is simple, but the visual effects are limited and only noticeable for close objects
Solution Approach 1:
The mount structure employs nested rotational mechanisms where the bracket assembly rotates about a first axis, and the support member rotates about a second axis that is offset from the first axis. This nested arrangement of rotational degrees of freedom enables complex two-dimensional movement patterns (including translational, rotational, and orbital motions) within a compact mechanical structure, thereby achieving enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional translational movement to two-dimensional movement by introducing a second rotational axis offset from the first axis. This dimensional enhancement allows the image-capture device to achieve orbital motion and complex trajectories that were not possible with simple translational mounts, significantly improving visual effect versatility for both close and distant objects
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image-capture device moves translationally only, then the mount structure is simple, but the visual effects are limited to objects positioned relatively close to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The mount structure implements dynamic movement capabilities by enabling the image-capture device to transition between different motion modes (translational, rotational, and orbital) through the coordinated action of two rotational axes. This dynamic versatility allows operators to achieve diverse visual effects including zoom-like effects, panoramic sweeps, and orbital shots, making the system adaptable for both close-up and distant subject photography
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex rotational and translational movements are enabled, then dynamic visual effects are achieved, but the mount structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple movement functions (translation, rotation about first axis, rotation about second axis, and orbital motion) into a single integrated mount structure. The bracket assembly and support member are coupled in such a way that rotations about two offset axes naturally produce combined movement patterns, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems for each degree of freedom and reducing overall structural complexity
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 dynamic visual effects by allowing the image-capture device to move in two-dimensional combinations of rotation and translation, enhancing the visual impact of time-lapse photography.
Implementation Method 1
a belt entrained around the stationary wheel and the rotational wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A mount comprises: a bracket assembly for holding an image-capture device; a drive shaft rotatably coupled to a stationary wheel for rotation of the drive shaft relative to the stationary wheel about a drive shaft axis; a support member coupled to the drive shaft to rotate about the drive shaft axis therewith, the support member extending radially away from the drive shaft axis; a rotational wheel rotatably coupled to the support member for rotation of the rotational wheel relative to the support member about a rotational wheel axis radially spaced apart from, and parallel to, the drive shaft axis, and coupleable to the bracket assembly such that rotation of the rotational wheel about the rotational wheel axis causes corresponding rotation of the bracket assembly about the rotational wheel axis; and a belt entrained around the stationary wheel and the rotational wheel.