Camera Dolly Jack Mechanism for Single-Operator Wheel Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera dolly wheel changeover methods require manual lifting and multiple personnel, risking injury and potential damage to the dolly, especially when switching between different wheel types for varying ground conditions.
Innovation Solution
A camera dolly jack system with a pivotable leg and arm mechanism allows for quick and single-person wheel changes without lifting the dolly, using a jack rod that can be inserted into a receptacle to lift and stabilize the dolly, enabling rapid wheel swaps on both sides with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting and chocking is used to change wheels, then wheel changeover can be achieved, but it risks injury from heavy lifting and requires at least two people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dolly jack as an intermediary device between the operator and the heavy dolly. The jack includes a foot member that contacts the ground, a leg member that pivots to provide lifting motion, and a jack rod that transfers the lifting force to the dolly chassis. This intermediary mechanism enables a single operator to lift the heavy dolly safely without direct manual handling of the weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting function is segmented into distinct components: the foot member provides a stable base, the leg member provides the lifting lever arm, and the jack rod provides the force transmission path. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables easy assembly and operation by a single person.
2Ease of operation
If manual lifting is used to change wheels, then wheel replacement can be performed, but it can damage the camera dolly if lifting is not at a structural hard point
Solution Approach 1:
The jack rod acts as a precise intermediary that transfers lifting force exclusively through the designated receptacle at the structural hard point. This controlled force transmission path ensures that the lifting load is applied exactly where the dolly structure is designed to handle it, preventing damage while enabling easy wheel changes.
3Productivity
If dolly wheels are changed by lifting the dolly, then wheel replacement is possible, but it requires heavy lifting that risks injury
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly jack serves as a mechanical intermediary that handles the heavy lifting task, completely removing the weight-bearing burden from the operator. The operator only needs to apply modest force to the jack handle, while the jack's mechanical advantage system handles the heavy dolly weight, eliminating injury risk while maintaining fast wheel changeover capability.
4Productivity
If fast wheel changes are implemented, then production time is reduced, but manual lifting and two people are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly jack is designed to be a self-contained lifting system that a single operator can control independently. The jack's own structure provides the mechanical advantage needed, requiring no additional personnel for assistance. The operator simply positions the jack, applies force to the handle, and the jack autonomously performs the lifting function.
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 fast and safe wheel changes on camera dollies, reducing production time and labor while preventing injuries and equipment damage, allowing a single operator to efficiently adapt to changing ground conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a leg (60) attached to a foot (52) and pivotable relative to the foot about a first axis
Implementation Method 2
An arm (64) can be pivotally attached to the leg (60), to provide greater mechanical advantage in lifting the camera dolly
Implementation Method 3
A jack rod (75) is attached to the leg (60) and may be substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods allow the wheels of a camera dolly to be quickly and easily changed by a single person. A dolly jack may have a leg attached to a foot and pivotable relative to the foot about a first axis. A jack rod is attached to the leg spaced apart from the first axis. An arm may be pivotally attached to the leg as desired, to provide greater mechanical advantage in lifting the camera dolly. Dolly wheels may be changed by inserting a jack rod into a receptacle on one side of the camera dolly, with the foot of the jack on the ground and with the jack leg substantially in a non-vertical position. The jack leg rotated into a second position wherein the jack leg is substantially vertical, with the dolly rolling slightly in the direction of the rotation. This lifts the side of the dolly sufficiently so that the front and back wheels, or wheel pairs, on the one side of the dolly are lifted off of the ground, allowing the wheels to be changed.