Photographic Stand Ball Locking Assembly for Rapid Position Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photographic equipment stands with screw-based locking assemblies are complex, time-consuming, and inefficient, especially when frequently switching between freely rotatable and locked states, leading to missed shooting opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly for photographic equipment stands that includes a support rod, a guiding member, a locking pin, a spring member, and a driving member, allowing the locking pin to move between fixed positions to lock or unlock the universal ball and connecting member relative to each other, enabling quick and efficient switching between states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw-based locking assembly is used to lock the stand, then the locking function is reliable, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw fastening mechanism from the locking assembly and replaces it with a pin-based locking mechanism. The locking pin can be quickly inserted or removed to achieve locking or unlocking, eliminating the complex screw tightening and loosening operations while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a screw that requires rotational tightening to create friction-based locking, the patent inverts the approach by using a pin that provides direct mechanical blocking. The locking pin physically blocks the relative movement between components, providing immediate and reliable locking without the need for rotational tightening operations.
2Reliability
If a screw-based locking assembly is used to lock the stand, then the locking function is reliable, but the operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming screw tightening and loosening operations by extracting the screw mechanism and replacing it with a simple pin insertion/removal action. This dramatically reduces the time required to switch between locked and unlocked states while preserving the reliability of the locking function through direct mechanical blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables rapid switching between locked and unlocked states by skipping the intermediate steps of rotational screw operations. The locking pin can be quickly inserted to lock or removed to unlock, allowing the operator to rush through the locking/unlocking process in a single swift motion, thereby minimizing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stand is frequently switched between locked and freely rotatable states, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the complexity and time consumption of the locking assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex screw-based locking mechanism and replaces it with a simple pin-based system. This simplified locking assembly can be rapidly operated for frequent switching between locked and freely rotatable states, maintaining operational flexibility while reducing device complexity and eliminating the time-consuming operations associated with screw fastening.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the stand is frequently switched between locked and freely rotatable states, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming screw operations from the locking assembly and replaces them with a simple pin insertion/removal mechanism. This enables frequent switching between locked and freely rotatable states to be performed rapidly, maintaining full operational flexibility while dramatically reducing the time consumption associated with each switching operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables operators to rush through the switching operation by skipping the multiple rotational steps required for screw-based locking. The locking pin can be inserted or removed in a single quick motion, allowing frequent transitions between locked and freely rotatable states to be completed in minimal time, thereby maintaining operational flexibility without time penalty.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The locking assembly allows for convenient and high-efficiency switching between locked and freely rotatable states, reducing the risk of missing shooting opportunities and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member for urging the guiding member
Data Source
AI summary
A stand for photographic equipment includes a connecting member, a pedestal, and a locking assembly connected therebetween. The locking assembly includes a support rod, a guiding member mounted around the support rod, a locking pin fixed on the support rod and engaged with the guiding member, a spring member located between the pedestal and the guiding member, and a driving member pivotally connected to the support rod. One end of the support rod and the connecting member are rotatably connected with each other by a universal ball. The locking assembly is configured to make the locking pin move along the guiding member to a first fixed position or a second fixed position by pressing the driving member. In the first fixed position, a top end of the guiding member abuts against and locks the connecting member. In the second fixed position, the guiding member releases the connecting member.