Orientable Head Stem Level Indicator Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orientable heads for video-photographic equipment face challenges in accurately identifying standard positions like parallelism or perpendicularity with respect to the horizontal plane, as bubble type level indicators are protruding, increasing the overall dimensions and making them more prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
An orientable head with a ball-and-socket coupling and a level indicator housed within the stem, allowing for compact design and protected observation of the level indicator, enabling accurate positioning without increasing the head's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bubble type level indicators are placed in a protruding position to remain easily visible, then the visibility and ease of operation are improved, but the overall dimensions of the head increase and the indicators become more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The level indicator is integrated within the stem structure itself, with the indicator housed inside a cavity or channel formed in the stem. This nesting approach allows the level indicator to be protected within the existing structural volume without requiring additional protruding space, thereby maintaining compact dimensions while ensuring visibility through strategic placement and viewing angles.
2Ease of operation
If bubble type level indicators are placed in a protruding position to remain easily visible, then the visibility and ease of operation are improved, but the reliability decreases due to increased exposure to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The level indicator is nested within the stem structure, which provides inherent mechanical protection against impacts and damage. The stem acts as a protective housing that shields the fragile bubble indicator from external forces while still allowing visual access to the indicator readings through appropriately positioned transparent sections or viewing windows.
3Length of stationary object
If the level indicator is integrated within the stem, then the overall dimensions are reduced and protection is improved, but the visibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stem structure is designed with differentiated local properties: certain sections of the stem are made transparent or include transparent windows specifically at locations where the level indicator is housed, while other sections maintain structural opacity. This localized transparency ensures that the level indicator remains clearly visible when needed, while the rest of the structure maintains its protective and structural functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An orientable head (1) for supporting video-photographic equipment comprises:a first articulated joint member (2) on which an attachment means (8) for the video-photographic equipment is provided,a second articulated joint member (3) coupled to the first articulated joint member to permit the orientation of the video-photographic equipment into a preferred position,a level indicator (30) arranged on the first articulated joint member within a stem (5) extending between said attachment means and said second articulated joint member, for indicating the position of the video-photographic equipment with respect to the horizontal plane.