Multi-legged Stand Single-Handed Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary multi-legged stands, such as tripods and quadpods, require users to operate with both hands to unfold support leg assemblies due to snap-fit mechanisms, making deployment inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-legged stand design featuring a support rod assembly, a sliding sleeve assembly, a connecting assembly, and at least three support leg assemblies, with a preliminary opening assembly that allows single-handed operation to transition the leg assemblies from a folded to a preliminarily opened state using an external action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If snap-fit mechanisms are used to fold support leg assemblies, then the structure can be compact when folded, but the deployment requires two hands making it inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The support leg assembly uses its own weight and the mechanical advantage of the lever arm to automatically snap into the locked position during deployment. The user only needs to initiate the opening motion, and the assembly completes the deployment autonomously without requiring manual manipulation of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
A lever arm acts as an intermediary between the user's input force and the support leg assembly. The lever arm amplifies the user's force and transfers it to the support leg assembly, enabling easy deployment with one hand while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If manual unfolding of each support leg assembly is required, then structural integrity can be maintained, but the deployment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support leg assemblies are merged into a single integrated structure where they share common components (lever arm, snap-fit mechanism). This allows all legs to be deployed simultaneously through a single user action, rather than requiring separate manual unfolding of each leg.
Solution Approach 2:
The support leg assemblies are pre-configured in a folded state with the snap-fit mechanism positioned to engage automatically during deployment. The lever arm is pre-positioned to apply force to the correct point, enabling rapid one-handed deployment without requiring the user to manually manipulate each component.
3Ease of operation
If both hands are required to operate the stand, then precise control can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex two-handed manual manipulation system is replaced with a simplified mechanical system using a lever arm and snap-fit mechanism. This mechanical system provides precise control and reliable locking automatically, eliminating the need for two-handed operation while maintaining or improving operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-legged stand, including: a support rod assembly, a sliding sleeve assembly, a connecting assembly, at least three support leg assemblies, and a preliminary opening assembly. The preliminary opening assembly is configured to, in response to a force-bearing portion being subjected to an external action, overcome the folding force and push open the at least three support leg assemblies, causing the at least three support leg assemblies to transition from the folded state to a preliminarily opened state relative to the support rod assembly.