Reconfigurable Rig and AutoKAP Pan Mechanisms

[ra...@vt.edu]

Reconfigurable Rig

Reconfigurability 

The reconfigurable rig is centered around a multi purpose hexagonal hub, that has multiple holes for many reconfigurability opportunities. The goal is for this rig to be made from entirely laser cut parts and widely available hardware components.

Landscape Oblique Orientation 

Parts List 

• Hexagonal hub, laser cut plywood or 3D printed: x4
• Nylon tube clamp, 5/16": x10
• Nylon bolt, 6-32: x10
• Nylon nut, 6-32: x10
• Nylon washer, 10-12x5/8": x16
• Polyethylene tubing, 5/8" OD, 12-14": x4
• Polyethylene tubing, 5/8 OD, 5": x2
• Thumb screw, 6-32x1": x2
• Wing nut, 6-32: x2

The clamps used to hold the tubing are held in place using only one bolt, with the tubing held in using only the clamps. Would a hold screw be the best solution to prevent the top tube from slipping out?

Repositioning the Axis 

Landscape Straight Down Orientation 

The plastic tubing can also be easily removed and repositioned to any of the other clamp holes if the tubing is blocking the lens.

One issue with the landscape orientation is in the top connection piece, which right now can only be 3D printed. Is there any hardware that could be used to replace it?

Portrait Orientation 

In the portrait orientation assembly, two hubs are used, which connect with 1/4" wooden dowels to form the camera bed.

Parts List 

• Hexagonal hub, laser cut plywood or 3D printed: x2
• Wooden dowel, 1/4"x6": x2
• Nylon tube clamp, 5/16": x10
• Nylon bolt, 6-32: x10
• Nylon nut, 6-32: x10
• Nylon washer, 10-12x5/8": x10
• Polyethylene tubing, 5/8" OD, 12-14": x5

Currently, the dowels are held in place entirely with friction. If the hub is laser cut from plywood, is the friction alone enough to hold the rig together or should there be a stopper on the end?

Electronics-Free Automated Pan Mechanisms

Silly Putty Pan Mechanism 

The silly putty pan mechanism, originally developed by Simon Harbord, uses a twisted rubber band attached to a hook that runs through a volume of silly putty. The silly putty controls the spin of the rubber band, giving a slow, controlled spin.

@mathew and I have been developing a pan mechanism using this concept, that is made using hardware and a few custom components that can be laser cut.

As the video demonstrates, there are some inconsistencies in the turn speed of the rig due to friction. There is also a static friction issue, causing it to get stuck at certain points. How might these issues be resolved?

Jerk Pan 

Another option for electronics-free panning is the jerk pan mechanism, developed by @cfastie. This is a simple and effective way to reorient the camera after it has been sent up the line.

Propeller Mechanism 

A third solution is a wind or wind-up powered mechanism, as demonstrated here.

This mechanism is very effective in that it is both a pan and tilt mechanism in one. The downsides to this mechanism are its complexity and weight. More info on this mechanism can be found here.