Adjustable Tray Assembly With Stable Tripod Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tray assemblies for fixtures like tripods lack adjustability in height and angle, stability, and portability, often requiring additional accessories for secure attachment.

Innovation Solution

A tray assembly with a securing mechanism featuring adjustable length cords, conformable fittings, and a support leg that can be adjusted in length and angle, allowing secure attachment to fixtures at various heights and angles without additional parts, and including a magnetic surface for accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing tray assemblies are used for fixtures like tripods, then the tray can support objects, but the tray lacks adjustability in height and angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability in height and angleVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tray assembly incorporates adjustable legs with telescoping sections that can be extended or retracted to different lengths, and angled sections that can be rotated to various angles. This dynamic adjustability allows the tray to adapt to different heights and angles while maintaining structural integrity through locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tray assembly is divided into multiple independent segments including the tray body, adjustable legs, and support structures. Each leg can be independently adjusted in length and angle, allowing flexible configuration without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If existing tray assemblies are used for fixtures, then the tray can be attached to the fixture, but the attachment lacks stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tray assembly integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the adjustable legs serve both as support elements and as attachment mechanisms to the tripod. The locking mechanisms combine both positioning and securing functions, eliminating the need for separate attachment accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tray assembly includes self-contained locking mechanisms on the adjustable legs that can be easily engaged and disengaged by the user without requiring additional tools or accessories. The design allows the tray to secure itself to the tripod through its own integrated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing tray assemblies are used, then the tray can be attached to the fixture, but additional accessories are required for secure attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-contained attachment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of accessories

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable legs of the tray assembly serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable height and angle adjustment, and act as the attachment mechanism to the tripod. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate attachment accessories while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment functionality is merged into the leg structure itself rather than being a separate component. The legs incorporate locking mechanisms and contact surfaces that directly interface with the tripod, making the tray self-sufficient in terms of attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the tray is made portable and adjustable, then the tray is more versatile, but the tray may lack stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and adjustabilityVSAvoidtray stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tray features dynamically adjustable legs with telescoping sections and angled segments that can be configured to different positions. Once adjusted, locking mechanisms secure the legs in place, providing stable support while maintaining the ability to reconfigure for portability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The legs incorporate curved or angled sections that can be rotated to various orientations, allowing the tray to adapt to different configurations. These curved elements, when locked in position, provide stable geometric structures that maintain rigidity and support capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS9095207B2Adjustable tray assembly for a fixture, such as a tripod or other multi-legged device

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 SCHINDLER DANIEL J

AI summary

A tray assembly adapted to be removably connected to a fixture, e.g. a tripod, ladder, chair, a rigid fixture or other single or multi-legged device, the assembly including a tray adapted to support objects, a securing mechanism for operatively attaching the tray to the fixture and optionally a support leg for maintaining the tray at a desired position in relation to the fixture. Methods for securing a tray assembly to a fixture and using the assembly are disclosed.