Convertible Tripod Leg-Column Joint for Secure Monopod Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible tripods for video-photographic equipment face issues such as mislaying of end elements, incorrect reassembly, and risk of leg detachment during conversion to a monopod, leading to instability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A tripod design featuring a removable leg with an end element that acts as a connection between the column and leg, preventing mislaying, and a locking mechanism with a fall prevention element to ensure secure detachment and reassembly, allowing conversion to a monopod without specific angular orientation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the end element is integrated with the column, then the structure is simpler, but the end element cannot be separated to enable conversion to monopod
Solution Approach 1:
The end element is separated from the column and designed as an independent component. This segmentation allows the end element to be removed from the column and attached to the leg, enabling conversion from tripod to monopod configuration while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The end element is designed with universal functionality to serve dual purposes: it acts as a terminal for the column during tripod mode and as a connection interface for the leg during monopod mode. This multi-functionality enables seamless conversion between configurations without requiring additional components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end element is made removable from the column, then conversion to monopod is enabled, but the risk of mislaying the end element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end element integrates both the column termination function and the leg connection function into a single component. By merging these functions, the end element remains physically associated with either the column or the leg, eliminating the risk of mislaying that would occur if it were a completely separate small component
3Device complexity
If the leg is fixed to the column directly, then the connection is simpler, but the leg cannot be easily separated for monopod conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The end element serves as an intermediary component between the column and the leg. During monopod conversion, the leg connects to the end element rather than directly to the column, providing a simple yet effective connection mechanism that facilitates easy separation and reattachment while maintaining connection simplicity
4Reliability
If the column has a large end element as travel limit stop, then the column is secure, but the end element must be removed to separate the column from the cross-piece
Solution Approach 1:
The travel limit stop function and the leg connection function are merged into the same end element. This integration means that removing the end element from the column serves dual purposes: it disables the travel limit stop and provides the connection interface for the leg, thereby simplifying the disassembly process rather than adding complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod for video-photographic equipment comprises: —a plurality of legs (3) which are articulated to a cross-piece (2), in which at least one of the legs is a removable leg (30) which is connected to the cross-piece in a separable manner; —a column (5) which is provided with an attachment element (6) of a video-photographic equipment item and which is engaged with the ability to slide in the cross-piece (2) and which is separable from the cross-piece; —an end element (10) which is provided on the column (5) at the axially opposite side to the attachment element (6). The end element (10) comprises a first connection device (13) in order to removably fix the end element to the removable leg (30) so as to form a monopod (100) by connecting, by means of the end element (10), the removable leg (30) and the column (5) to each other when they are separated from the cross-piece.