Conformable Support Surface for Equipment Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizing and supportive devices for hand-held equipment like rifles and cameras often require time to set up and break down, limit mobility, and add weight, making them cumbersome and reducing response time.
Innovation Solution
A conformable support surface mounted to a rigid base that can be attached to a secondary stand, allowing for temporary support without permanent or semi-permanent attachment, featuring a connector system for versatile use with extendable and adaptable designs to accommodate various objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tripod or monopod is used to stabilize equipment, then stability is improved, but setup time and breakdown time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stabilizing function from traditional tripods/monopods by using a separate cushioning member that can be independently positioned. The cushioning member is not permanently attached to the equipment, allowing it to be quickly deployed and removed without affecting the equipment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into distinct components: the equipment, the cushioning member, and the supporting surface. This segmentation allows the cushioning member to be independently positioned and adjusted, enabling rapid deployment and removal while maintaining stability during use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If legs are attached to the equipment barrel to stabilize it, then stability is improved, but mobility decreases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is extracted from the equipment itself and provided by a separate cushioning member. This eliminates the need to attach heavy legs or supports to the equipment, maintaining mobility while providing stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member acts as an intermediary between the equipment and the supporting surface. It provides the stabilizing function without being permanently attached to the equipment, allowing the equipment to remain lightweight and mobile while gaining stability during use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If physical attachment devices are used to stabilize equipment, then stability is improved, but response time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is provided by a separate cushioning member that can be quickly positioned and removed without requiring attachment or detachment operations. This eliminates the time required to physically connect or disconnect stabilizing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static attachment (permanent or semi-permanent connections) to dynamic positioning. The cushioning member can be quickly placed and removed as needed, providing stability only when required and allowing rapid response to changing conditions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If semi-permanent attachment devices are used, then stability is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is extracted from equipment-specific attachments and provided by a universal cushioning member that can work with various equipment types and surfaces, enhancing adaptability while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member is designed to be universally applicable, working with different equipment types and various supporting surfaces. This universality provides adaptability across different scenarios while delivering consistent stabilizing performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to support and stabilize equipment according to various aspects of the present invention include a conformable support surface mounted to a rigid base. The rigid base may comprise a connector suitably configured to attach the rigid base to a secondary supportive device or stand. The conformable support surface may be configured to receive and support a piece of equipment such as a rifle or camera without a permanent or semi-permanent connection between the cushioned support surface and the equipment.