Nested Camera Tripod Leg Structure for Compact High Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera tripods face challenges in achieving a compact closed position while allowing for maximum extension in the operating position, and they often lack efficient mechanisms for rapid camera adjustment and locking.
Innovation Solution
A close-pack, high-aspect-ratio camera tripod with leg position control assemblies and leg-locking tabs that enable precise leg positioning and locking, combined with a set of stacked control rings for easy camera adjustment and locking, allowing for compact storage and rapid deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the tripod legs are designed to extend to maximum length in operating position, then the working height and reach are improved, but the closed-pack volume and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tripod legs are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with each leg containing hollow sections that accommodate adjacent legs. This nesting arrangement allows the legs to be packed into a compact cylindrical form factor, dramatically reducing the closed-pack volume while maintaining the ability to extend to full operating length when deployed
2Strength
If the tripod structure is made robust to support heavy camera equipment, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the overall weight and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tripod legs are constructed using composite material structures, combining aluminum alloys with optimized hollow cross-sections and internal reinforcement ribs. This composite design provides high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the tripod to support heavy camera equipment while maintaining reasonable weight and compact dimensions when collapsed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple leg positions are provided for different shooting angles, then the adaptability is improved, but the mechanism complexity and size deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tripod incorporates a dynamic leg position control system where each leg can be independently rotated and locked at multiple predetermined angles. The legs transition between fixed angular positions (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) through a simple locking mechanism, providing adaptability for different shooting configurations without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms
4Productivity
If rapid camera adjustment and locking is implemented, then the operational speed is improved, but the control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tripod features self-latching control assemblies where the leg position locks automatically when the leg reaches a predetermined angle position. The leg-locking tabs engage with corresponding notches in the hub without requiring manual intervention, enabling rapid one-handed operation while maintaining simple control mechanism architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod with a set of leg position control assemblies configured to enable deployment of each leg of the tripod into a predefined leg position is provided.