Multi-Leg Equipment Support With Selectable Leg-Angle Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment supports, such as bipods and tripods, lack flexibility in adjusting leg positions to accommodate various operational requirements, limiting their adaptability for supporting different types of equipment like cameras, optics, and weapons.
Innovation Solution
A multi-legged equipment support system with a hub and pivotable legs, featuring a leg angle stop structure and actuators that allow each leg to pivot to multiple preset positions, enabling adjustable deployment angles and secure retention of actuator positions using detents and blockers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing equipment supports use fixed leg positions, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability for different operational requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the leg positions adjustable rather than fixed. Each leg can be pivoted to different operational positions (standing, sitting, prone) and locked into place using actuators with detent mechanisms. This transforms the static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the leg structure into multiple functional components: the leg itself, the actuator mechanism, the detent system with blockers and stops, and the hub. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve overall adaptability. The actuator can be positioned at different locations along the leg to provide different ranges of motion for different operational positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple preset leg positions are added to equipment supports, then the versatility for different operational positions is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the detent mechanism that automatically locks the actuator in place at each preset position. The spring-loaded detent engages with the blockers to hold the actuator at the correct location without requiring continuous external force or complex control systems. This self-locking mechanism simplifies the overall control system while maintaining multiple adjustable positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-positioning the detent and blocker mechanisms along the leg structure. The detent is spring-loaded and positioned in advance to engage with specific blockers at predetermined locations, allowing the actuator to snap into the correct position automatically. This pre-arranged locking system eliminates the need for complex real-time control during operation.
3Ease of operation
If actuators are made movable to different preset locations, then the range of motion for each leg is increased, but the retention of actuator position becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the actuator movable along the leg to different preset locations, allowing adjustment of the range of motion for each leg. The actuator can be slid or positioned to different locations depending on the desired operational position, providing flexibility in controlling the leg's movement arc while maintaining secure retention through the detent mechanism at each position.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-legged equipment support, components thereof, and associated methods. The equipment support comprises a stand and an equipment holder. The stand includes a hub and multiple legs pivotable with respect to the hub. The legs are pivotable outward from stowed positions to preset operational pivoted positions. The user can select a preset operational pivoted position in which outward pivoting of a leg will stop based on moving an actuator between preset locations.