Support Device Gear-Leg Splay Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices with splayed legs, such as tripod stands, are complex in construction and difficult to use effectively, lacking efficient mechanisms for varying leg positions.
Innovation Solution
A support device with intermeshing gear teeth and a detent mechanism that allows each leg to pivot by different angles, enabling locking in multiple positions through a snap-action mechanism for secure and symmetrical angular settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tripod stand constructions are used, then structural stability is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: the gear teeth on leg portions serve both to maintain symmetrical angular positioning and to provide locking positions when engaged by the detent. This merging of positioning and locking functions into one mechanism reduces overall device complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear teeth serve multiple purposes: they enable symmetrical angular adjustment of leg portions, provide detent engagement points for locking, and maintain mechanical symmetry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning and locking mechanisms, reducing construction complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional tripod stand constructions are used, then structural stability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detent is designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing dynamic switching between locked and adjustable states. This enables easy operation by allowing the user to temporarily disengage the detent for adjustment and re-engage it for locking, maintaining both stability and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear teeth automatically maintain symmetrical angular positioning of leg portions during adjustment, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms. The detent simply needs to be engaged or disengaged, and the gear mechanism handles the precise positioning automatically.
3Measurement precision
If gear teeth are used for symmetrical angular positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear teeth mechanism combines positioning and locking functions into a single integrated system. The same gear teeth that provide precise angular positioning also serve as the locking engagement points for the detent, eliminating the need for separate positioning and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear teeth perform multiple functions: they enable precise symmetrical angular adjustment, provide defined engagement points for the detent, and maintain mechanical symmetry. This multi-functionality achieves positioning precision without adding separate complex mechanisms.
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
Facilitates easy and secure adjustment of leg positions, enhancing usability and versatility for various applications, including angling rod pods, by providing a simple and effective locking system.
Implementation Method 1
interengage one another by intermeshing gear teeth so that when one of the leg portions is pivoted about its pivot through a given angle in a clockwise sense, the other leg portion is pivoted about its pivot through the same angle in an anticlockwise sense
Implementation Method 2
The detent may be provided with a snap action device to enable it to be moved into its locking position by way of a snap action. This improves the security of the locking of the leg portions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A support device (10) having at least two leg portions (18) which can be splayed apart by different amounts. Intended respective upper ends (22) of the two leg portions (18) pivot about respective pivots (26) and interengage one another by intermeshing gear teeth (30) so that when one of the leg portions (18) is pivoted about its pivot (26) through a given angle in a clockwise sense, the other leg portion (18) is pivoted about its pivot (26) through the same angle in an anticlockwise sense. The device (10) also has a detent (32) which engages the intended upper end (22) of at least one of the said at least two leg portions (18) to lock it in a selected position, so that the other of the said at least two leg portions (18) is also locked in a corresponding position.