Camera Stand Ball-Joint Locking for Fast Position Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photographic equipment stands lack an efficient and convenient locking mechanism, making it difficult to switch between freely rotatable and locked states, which can result in missed shooting opportunities due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of traditional screw fastening systems.
Innovation Solution
A stand for photographic equipment featuring a locking assembly with a support rod, guiding member, locking pin, spring member, and driving member, allowing the locking pin to move between fixed positions to lock or release the connecting member, enabling quick and efficient switching between states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw fastening locking assembly is used, then the stand can be locked securely, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw fastening mechanical system with a spring-loaded locking pin system. The locking pin is driven by a spring member that automatically engages with positioning grooves on the universal ball, eliminating the need for manual screw threading and tightening operations while maintaining secure locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly incorporates a spring member that automatically pushes the locking pin into engagement with the positioning grooves when the connecting member is inserted. The system self-locks without requiring manual intervention, and can be released by simply pressing the driving member, making the operation extremely convenient and quick.
2Reliability
If traditional screw fastening locking assembly is used, then the stand can be locked securely, but the switching time increases and shooting opportunities may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming screw fastening system with an instant-engagement spring-loaded locking pin mechanism. The locking pin is automatically driven into positioning grooves by spring force, achieving secure locking in a fraction of a second, and can be released instantly by pressing the driving member, significantly reducing switching time and preventing missed shooting opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member is pre-loaded to store elastic potential energy, which is automatically converted to kinetic energy to drive the locking pin into engagement with the positioning grooves as soon as the connecting member is inserted. This preliminary energy storage enables instant locking action without requiring manual force or time for screw tightening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a locking assembly is added to enable switching between locked and freely rotatable states, then the operational flexibility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly components are nested within each other: the locking pin is received by the guiding member, which is in turn received by the connecting member. The spring member is positioned within the pedestal cavity and acts on the locking pin through the guiding member. This nested arrangement provides the required state switching capability while minimizing overall structural complexity and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal ball joint already provides multi-directional rotation capability. The added locking assembly simply adds the locking/unlocking function by engaging with existing positioning grooves on the universal ball, making the connecting member versatile for both stationary photography (locked) and dynamic following shots (freely rotatable) without requiring separate mechanisms for each 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
The proposed solution allows for convenient and high-efficiency switching between locked and freely rotatable states, reducing the risk of missed shooting opportunities and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member located between the pedestal and the guiding member
Implementation Method 2
One end of the support rod and the connecting member are rotatably connected with each other by a universal ball
Data Source
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AI summary
A stand for photographic equipment includes a connecting member, a pedestal, and a locking assembly connected between the connecting member and the pedestal. The locking assembly includes a support rod, a guiding member mounted around the support rod, a locking pin fixed on the support rod and engaged with the guiding member, a spring member located between the pedestal and the guiding member, and a driving member pivotally connected to the support rod. One end of the support rod and the connecting member are rotatably connected with each other by a universal ball. The locking assembly is configured to make the locking pin move along the guiding member to a first fixed position or a second fixed position by pressing the driving member. In the first fixed position, a top end of the guiding member abuts against and locks the connecting member. In the second fixed position, the guiding member releases the connecting member.