Compact Tripod Head With Nested Worm Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tripod heads for photo, video, or film cameras are large, heavy, and have a low holding force relative to their size and weight, making them less efficient for precise adjustments and stability.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight tripod head design featuring worm gear drives with a decoupling mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of two pivot axes at right angles, enabling precise alignment and stability with a self-locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional tripod heads are used to provide stable camera support, then holding force is achieved, but the device becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The tripod head is divided into separate functional components: a first component for connection to the tripod with a first pivot axis, and a second component for connection to the optical device with a second pivot axis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The second component is mounted in the first component so that it can pivot about the second pivot axis, while the first component is mounted in the third component so that it can pivot about the first pivot axis. This nested arrangement allows multiple pivot axes to be contained within a compact structure, reducing the overall size and weight of the tripod head while maintaining stability and holding force.
2Measurement precision
If geared heads with toothed drive are used for precise adjustment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of components with pivot axes allows the geared adjustment mechanism to be contained within a compact structure. The second component with its pivot axis is nested within the first component, which itself is nested within the third component, creating a space-efficient design that maintains precise alignment capability without excessive weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the pivot axes arranged in a traditional configuration, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing both the first pivot axis and second pivot axis within the first component, with the second component nested inside. This inverted nesting approach reduces the overall footprint and weight while maintaining the geared drive's precise adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two pivot axes are arranged at right angles for independent adjustment, then orientation flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of the first component and second component allows two pivot axes at right angles to be integrated within a single compact structure. The second component with its pivot axis is nested within the first component, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pivot axis and second pivot axis are merged into a single integrated structure where the second component is mounted in the first component. This combining of multiple adjustment functions into one unified structure reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining full orientation adjustment capability.
4Length of moving object
If the distance between pivot axes is reduced for compactness, then lever arm and deflection are reduced, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement allows the second component to pivot within the first component, creating a compact configuration with minimal distance between pivot axes. This nesting maintains full adjustment range because each component can pivot independently through its respective axis without spatial constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling mechanism allows the geared adjustment to be dynamically engaged or disengaged. When disengaged, the components can move freely providing large adjustment ranges. When engaged, the gears provide precise incremental adjustments. This dynamic capability allows the compact nested structure to provide both small pivot axis distances and full adjustment ranges.
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 achieves precise and stable adjustments with reduced force application and deflection, allowing for compactness and high holding force, enhancing the accuracy of camera positioning and preventing equipment from falling or sinking.
Implementation Method 1
The drives are formed by worm gears, which have a worm that acts on a worm wheel that rotates about the respective pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
The setting with self-locking gear drive protects heavy camera structures from falling or sinking
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support for an optical device for changing the orientation of the optical device, in particular for photographic, video or film cameras. The support comprises a first component having a first pivot axis for connecting to a tripod and a second component having a second pivot axis for connecting to the optical device, wherein the two pivot axes run transversely, in particular at a right angle, to each other and each can be adjusted independently of the other, wherein the first pivot axis is arranged in the first component and the second pivot axis is likewise arranged in the first component.