Double-Column Backdrop Stand With Scissor Folding and Winch Lift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single pole stands in the photographic industry are cumbersome and require disassembly for movement, posing safety concerns and needing multiple people for reassembly and tensioning, especially when handling paper rolls for backdrops.

Innovation Solution

A double column stand with elongatable legs connected by a scissor member for easy movement and storage, featuring a winch mechanism for safe paper roll installation and a versatile mounting system for lights and other equipment, allowing single-person operation and compact folding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If single pole stands are used for backdrop, then the setup is simple, but movement requires disassembly and reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stand is divided into two independent legs that can be selectively elongated, allowing the structure to be segmented for easier movement while maintaining stability when assembled. Each leg can be independently adjusted and positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The legs are made selectively elongatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the stand's configuration. This enables the stand to transition between compact transport mode and expanded operational mode without full disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If two independent stands are used for backdrop, then coverage area is sufficient, but handling paper rolls requires stepladder and two people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackdrop coverage areaVSAvoidpaper roll installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Two independent stands are merged into a single integrated double-column structure with a shared base and cross-bracing. This consolidation maintains the backdrop coverage area while simplifying paper roll handling to a single-person operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A paper roll receiver acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the paper roll. The receiver is positioned at an accessible height on the stand structure, eliminating the need for stepladders and making paper roll installation safe and easy for one person.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If paper roll receiver is positioned high on the stand, then backdrop coverage is adequate, but installation becomes unsafe requiring ladders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackdrop coverage areaVSAvoidsafety hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The paper roll receiver is positioned in a different vertical dimension on the stand structure, specifically at an ergonomically accessible height rather than at the maximum height. This dimensional repositioning maintains adequate backdrop coverage while eliminating safety hazards associated with high placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If single pole stands are used, then individual positioning is flexible, but tensioning requires two people pulling apart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidtensioning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning function is merged into the single integrated structure. The cross-bracing and scissor mechanism automatically provide tensioning when the legs are extended, eliminating the need for two people to manually pull apart independent stands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stand structure provides self-tensioning through its scissor mechanism and cross-bracing design. When the legs are extended to the desired position, the structure automatically tensions the backdrop material without requiring manual intervention from multiple operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 stand is easily maneuverable, safe, and versatile, enabling quick repositioning of lights and modifiers, reducing labor and improving safety by eliminating the need for ladders and multiple people for assembly and tensioning.

Implementation Method 1

A scissor member (12A, 12B) is secured between the legs (10A, 10B)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The winch utilizes a self-locking mechanism so that the concentric brake locks and releases depending on which way the winch is turned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11281077B2Double column stand
Publication Date: 2022.03.22 SAVAGE UNIVERSAL
  • US11281077B2 patent drawing
  • US11281077B2 patent drawing
  • US11281077B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a stand using two legs which are selectively elongated. Ideally, each leg has two spaced apart wheels allowing the stand to be readily moved. The legs are connected by a scissor member which allows the assembly to be collapsed for storage and easy movement. A receiver for a paper roll is attachable to the top of both legs. A roller, from which paper from the paper roll extends. The legs are manually extended either by hand or in concert using a winch assembly connected to both legs.