UAV Gimbal USB Interface for Camera Data Transfer Without Dismounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing image photographing apparatuses require frequent dismounting and mounting of the camera from the gimbal for data transmission, leading to abrasion and shortened service lives due to complex data transmission processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a USB transmission interface directly on the photographing device, allowing data transfer to an external storage device without dismounting, using a gimbal with a circuit board featuring USB input and output interfaces for seamless data connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the camera is disconnected from the gimbal for data transmission, then data can be transferred to external storage, but the repeated dismounting and mounting causes abrasion and shortens service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission convenienceVSAvoidservice life of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a USB interface as an intermediary data transmission channel between the camera and external storage devices. This mediator allows data to be transferred without requiring physical disconnection of the camera from the gimbal, thus maintaining mechanical reliability while enabling convenient data access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gimbal system is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both mechanical mounting capabilities and USB data transmission capabilities. This allows the system to perform both physical support and data transfer functions simultaneously, eliminating the need to choose between operational convenience and component durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the camera remains mounted on the gimbal, then mechanical stability is maintained, but data transmission becomes complex requiring dismounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoiddata transmission process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical mounting function and data transmission function into a single integrated system. The camera remains physically mounted on the gimbal while simultaneously maintaining electrical connectivity through USB interfaces, combining what were previously separate operations into one unified configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If USB interface is added to the gimbal, then data transmission can occur without dismounting, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission convenienceVSAvoidgimbal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical data transfer method (requiring physical disconnection and connection of cables) with an electrical/electronic system (USB interfaces). This substitution eliminates the need for repeated mechanical assembly and disassembly operations while adding minimal structural complexity to the gimbal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3372888B1Unmanned aerial vehicle, image photographing apparatus, and cradle head thereof
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 AUTEL ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • EP3372888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3372888B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present application relates to a gimbal configured to mount a photographing device. The gimbal includes a main body, a mounting shaft connected to the main body and a base disposed on the mounting shaft. The base is configured to fasten the photographing device. The gimbal further includes a fixing plate disposed on the base and a circuit board mounted between the fixing plate and the base. The circuit board is provided with a USB input interface and a USB output interface. The USB input interface is configured to form a data transmission connection to the photographing device. The USB output interface is configured to be connected to an external storage device. The present application further relates to an image photographing apparatus including the foregoing gimbal and an unmanned aerial vehicle including the foregoing image photographing apparatus. In the present application, data in the photographing device on the gimbal may be directly accessed by using a USB data line. A trouble of repeatedly dismounting and mounting the photographing device can be avoided. Friction losses of related structures of the photographing device and the gimbal are avoided, thereby prolonging service lives of the components.