Project brief
This proposed rig would explore cable-driven positioning on a small tabletop frame. A lightweight dummy carriage would be suspended by controlled cable lengths, allowing geometry, tension limits, and workspace constraints to be studied before carrying a camera. The model would connect anchor positions and cable lengths to carriage location, with explicit treatment of slack and unreachable configurations. CAD would address spool alignment, routing, attachment points, and access for adjustment. A controller simulation would generate slow reference motions and report constraint violations. Proposed deliverables include a kinematic model, frame layout, and a restrained bench-test plan. The concept makes no claim of cinema-grade stabilization, payload capacity, or precision until a physical prototype has been characterized.
Design concept developed for this portfolio. The diagrams describe the proposed system; implementation and testing are part of the validation plan.
The engineering challenge
Position a carriage while keeping cable geometry feasible and avoiding slack or uncontrolled travel.
Engineering approach
- Define anchor geometry and a restricted workspace.
- Model cable lengths and tension constraints.
- Design routing and spool interfaces.
- Simulate slow paths before dummy-carriage trials.
Validation plan
- Compare calculated cable lengths with static measurements.
- Verify unreachable commands are identified in simulation.
- Evaluate slow motion with a lightweight restrained dummy carriage.
Concept scope
- Cable kinematic model
- Restricted workspace map
- Adjustable anchor layout
- Slack-state detection concept
- Dummy-carriage test plan
Software & engineering tools
FreeCAD, Python SciPy, MATLAB or Octave, Motor controller prototype