Auxiliary Handle Locking for Foldable Camera Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photographing device supports, such as selfie sticks, require manual effort to fold and unfold the auxiliary handle, making operation cumbersome and prone to instability during use, especially during panoramic photography.

Innovation Solution

A photographing device support with an auxiliary handle that features an elastic locking mechanism and a hinge joint with convex platforms, allowing the auxiliary handle to be easily locked and unlocked with a single action, and includes a reset spring and movable locking block to stabilize the connecting apparatus, enabling smooth folding and unfolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking handle component with a pushing block and third limiting groove is used to lock the auxiliary handle, then the auxiliary handle can be kept in a folded state, but the pushing block needs to be manually pushed which makes operation cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic locking piece automatically locks the auxiliary handle when it rotates to the folded position, eliminating the need for manual pushing operations. The elastic piece engages with the first limiting groove through its own elastic deformation, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual pushing mechanism is replaced by an elastic mechanical system where the elastic locking piece uses its elastic deformation to automatically engage and disengage from the limiting grooves, substituting the need for manual force application with elastic mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the auxiliary handle is hinged to the connecting apparatus, then the handle can be folded to the support, but manual effort is required to fold and unfold making operation cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic locking piece automatically performs the locking action when the auxiliary handle is folded, and automatically unlocks when rotated back, making the system self-servicing without requiring manual effort for each folding operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic locking piece is pre-positioned and pre-loaded with elastic energy, ready to automatically engage with the limiting grooves when the auxiliary handle reaches the folded position, eliminating the need for manual locking actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the auxiliary handle is folded to the telescopic support body, then the device becomes more compact, but instability and shaking occur during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic locking piece provides temporary, single-use locking for each folding cycle, maintaining stability during use while allowing easy deployment and reconfiguration when needed, accepting that the locking is temporary rather than permanent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution simplifies the operation of folding and unfolding the auxiliary handle, enhances stability during use, reduces shaking, and improves ergonomic design, allowing for comfortable handling and flexible switching between video shooting and selfie functions.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic locking piece is elastically deformed to enable the first convex platform to rotate upwards and cross over the elastic locking piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the reset spring pushes the movable locking block to move toward the telescopic support body and to abut against the telescopic support body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12158693B2Photographing device support having auxiliary handle

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 SHENZHEN ADYSS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A photographing device support having an auxiliary handle includes: a telescopic support body, a connecting apparatus, and a clamping apparatus; and an auxiliary handle for an operator to grip, one end of the auxiliary handle is provided with a hinge joint, and the auxiliary handle is up-and-down rotatably connected to the connecting apparatus by the hinge joint, the hinge joint is provided with a first convex platform, and the connecting apparatus is provided with an elastic locking piece, the elastic locking piece cooperates with the first convex platform, so that when the auxiliary handle rotates downwards to fold relative to the telescopic support body, the elastic locking piece is elastically deformed at first to enable the first convex platform to rotate upwards and cross over the elastic locking piece, and then is reset to prevent the first convex platform from rotating back, so as to lock the auxiliary handle.