Modular Spider Tripod with Pivotable Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tripod systems lack modularity and flexibility, requiring multiple components and being cumbersome to transport and set up, especially in applications like film and television where equipment needs to be quickly reconfigured and moved.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional spider system with pivotable arms that can function as both a tripod stabilizer and a standalone tripod, featuring telescopically lockable arms, a base body accommodating a monopod, and a clamping device for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing components to be used separately or in combination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional tripod system is used, then the tripod provides stable support, but the system lacks modularity and requires multiple separate components that are cumbersome to transport and set up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodularity and flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spider is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used as a traditional tripod stabilizer connecting to tripod legs, or it can function as a standalone tripod by attaching its arms to the base body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ground spider and tripod components, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spider consists of modular components including a base body and three detachable arms with locking mechanisms. Each arm can be independently attached or detached from the base body, allowing the system to be configured as either a complete tripod or a stabilizer, providing modular flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used to achieve versatility, then the system can be configured for different applications, but the equipment becomes cumbersome to transport and set up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific configurationVSAvoidsetup and transport convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ground spider and tripod functions are merged into a single device. The spider's base body and arms can be configured to work together as a complete tripod or attached to external tripod legs as a stabilizer, combining multiple functions into one unit that is easier to transport and set up.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the spider is designed as a standalone tripod with pivotable arms, then it provides independent functionality, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandalone tripod capabilityVSAvoidarticulated arm mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arms are designed with pivotable joints that allow dynamic adjustment of angles relative to the base body. The locking mechanism enables the arms to be fixed at various angles, providing dynamic adaptability for different shooting positions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2034231B1Spider for a stand and set containing the spider and a tripod stand
Publication Date: 2013.02.13 CAMERA DYNAMICS GMBH
  • EP2034231B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2034231B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2034231B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d

AI summary

The present invention relates to a spider, in particular a mid-level spider, for a tripod (30) with three legs (31), comprising: a base body (11), three arms (12), each of which is pivotally mounted at its first end to the base body and is provided at its second end with a first locking element (22) of a locking device as a counterpart to a second locking element (23) of the locking device on the respective leg (31) for detachable connection with a corresponding leg (31) of the tripod, characterized in that the three arms (12) are designed as tripod legs and the base body (11) is designed to receive a tripod head.