Instrument Mounting Structure With Buoyant Foldable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for fixing instruments and cameras are not universally usable across different environmental conditions, particularly lacking stability and versatility for use on and below water surfaces, and are often bulky and unstable when attempting to record or measure.
Innovation Solution
A compact, easy-to-store device with a head section and telescopically movable legs that provide stabilization and buoyancy, featuring sealed cavities for buoyancy and reinforced lightweight materials, allowing for adjustable leg angles and attachments for enhanced stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional tripods or floats are used for stabilization, then stability on specific surfaces is improved, but versatility across different environments (water, land, inverted positions) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed with three legs that can be positioned in different configurations to function on land surfaces, water surfaces, and inverted positions. The legs can be arranged in a tripod configuration for land use, spread apart for water surface stability, or positioned to provide stability when inverted for underwater recording, making a single device suitable for multiple environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device incorporates adjustable leg positions and angles, allowing the user to dynamically reconfigure the device for different surfaces and conditions. The legs can be independently positioned to adapt to varying stability requirements across different environments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If larger and heavier devices are used to improve stability, then stability is improved, but portability and ease of storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The three legs of the mounting device are designed to be foldable and nestable within each other when not in use. This allows the device to be collapsed into a compact form that fits into small storage spaces, while still providing full stability when deployed for recording.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed stabilizing elements are added for land use, then stability on land is improved, but usability on water surface and inverted positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into three separate, independently adjustable legs rather than a fixed stabilizing structure. This segmentation allows each leg to be positioned and angled independently to provide stability on land, while still allowing the device to function on water surfaces and in inverted positions when configured appropriately.
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
Enables stable fixation of devices on various surfaces, including water and land, reducing the need for a cameraman in hazardous situations and minimizing injury risks, while being compact and versatile for demanding uses like sports and expeditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each leg 2 is equipped with at least one closed cavity 7 against the ingress of water
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting device, in particular for optical, recording and measuring instruments, comprising a head section (1) for attaching an instrument using a connecting element (11), where the lower end part of the head section (1) is equipped with swivel joints (4) for attaching at least three legs (2), each containing a connecting element (20) at the top for receiving a swivel joint (4), where the legs (2) are rotatable in the joint (4) by at least 140 degrees, and when the device is folded, the legs (2) are placed parallel along the head section (1) at an angle of 0 degrees, and the legs (2) and/or the head section (1) are equipped with at least one water- permeable cavity (7) and legs (2) are equipped with an end connecting element (21) for attaching an additional element (22) for expanding the possibilities of the use of the device.