WOLFRAM

Mechanical Engineering

Use System Modeler to model and simulate dynamics problems including mechanisms and machinery with kinematic, dynamic, and thermal behaviors. Study and solve vibration problems.

Dynamics: Design a Cell Phone Camera Stabilizer

Have you ever been annoyed by watching shaky footage taken by your cell phone? In that case, you might have thought about using a gimbal or a camera stabilizer. Ever wondered how they work? In this lab, you will understand the dynamics behind them and design your own camera stabilizer.

Model of the Camera Stabilization System

A model for the stabilization system consists of a series of links joined by pinned connections. The act of walking with the stabilizer is modeled as a harmonic displacement applied on the handle of the system. Springs and dampers are used to influence the motion of the phone as the system is subjected to the disturbance.

Model diagram of the camera stabilization system.

Analyze the Camera Motion

Compare the vertical displacement of the camera with and without the camera stabilization system. You will observe that the vertical displacement of the cell phone with the stabilizer has attenuated.

Animation of the cell phone with the camera stabilization system.

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