Cable-Actuated Tripod Leg Clamp for One-Handed Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripod leg mechanisms are cumbersome, heavy, and expensive due to the use of mechanical linkages like torsion rods and push rods, making it difficult to adjust the height of a tripod with a heavy load using only one hand.
Innovation Solution
An extendable tripod leg design featuring two or more leg-stages with a cable-operated clamp assembly, where a Bowden cable connects the actuation mechanism to the leg brake, allowing for relative movement and enabling lightweight yet robust operation, with a spring biasing the leg brake to the non-engaging position and a guide sleeve for axial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages like torsion rods and push rods are used to connect the operating lever to the locking mechanisms, then the locking mechanism can be operated remotely, but the tripod becomes heavier and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system (torsion rods and push rods) with a cable-based actuation system. The cable connects the operating lever to the locking mechanisms, allowing remote operation while significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the mechanism. The cable system is lighter and more flexible than rigid mechanical linkages.
2Ease of operation
If heavy mechanical linkages are used to connect the operating lever to the locking mechanisms, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but the tripod becomes more expensive to manufacture and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-based actuation system replaces complex mechanical linkages, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs. The cable system requires fewer precision-machined parts and assembly steps compared to traditional mechanical linkages with multiple joints and connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as a flexible element that can be routed through the tripod leg structure, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly. The flexible cable design enables the mechanism to be more compact and easier to transport compared to rigid mechanical linkages.
3Weight of moving object
If a cable is used to connect the actuation means to the leg brake, then the leg mechanism becomes lighter and more robust, but relative movement between actuation means and leg brake must be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The cable provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate relative movement between the actuation means and the leg brake. The cable can bend and flex as the leg sections move relative to each other, eliminating the need for complex rigid linkage mechanisms while maintaining a lightweight design.
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 design allows for easy, one-handed adjustment of tripod leg length, reducing weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining robustness and stability, even with heavy loads, and minimizing wear and the need for frequent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a cable operably connected at a first end to the actuation means and at a second end to the leg brake, such that operation of the actuation means causes the cable to move the leg brake
Implementation Method 2
with a spring biasing the leg brake to the non-engaging position
Implementation Method 3
a guide sleeve for axial alignment
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable leg 10 for a tripod, the leg 10 comprises two or more leg-stages 11b, 11c, each leg-stage 11b, 11c moveable axially relative to one or more of the or each other leg-stages to lengthen or shorten the leg. The leg 10 includes a clamp assembly to releasably prevent the relative movement when the leg is at the desired length. The clamp assembly includes a leg brake 22a moveable between a first leg-stage locking position and a second leg-stage release position. In order to control movement of the leg brake 22a between the first and second positions, an actuation means 16 is provided. A cable 17 is operably connected at a first end to the actuation means 16 and at a second end to the leg brake 22a, such that operation of the actuation means 16 causes the cable 17 to move the leg brake 22a.