Rotatable-Leg C-Stand Structure for Uneven Surface Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional C-stands lack stability on uneven surfaces such as stairs and are limited in their ability to support multiple accessory devices or position them optimally relative to the outspread legs.
Innovation Solution
The C-stand features rotatable legs with locking mechanisms, a secondary support tube for enhanced stability, and telescoping carbon fiber and polymer extensions with clamps, allowing for adjustable leg positions and accommodating additional equipment or stabilizing feet for uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional C-stands use a single main tube with legs extending from it, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stand lacks stability on uneven surfaces such as stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into multiple independent tube segments (main tube, secondary tube, tertiary tube) that can be independently positioned and locked. Each tube can be adjusted to different heights and angles, allowing the structure to adapt to uneven surfaces by distributing contact points across multiple levels and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds vertical dimensionality by introducing secondary and tertiary tubes that extend perpendicular to the main tube at different heights. This creates a three-dimensional support structure with multiple contact points on the ground, enabling stability on uneven surfaces by engaging different elevation levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stand uses a fixed single-position support structure, then the device is simple, but it cannot support multiple accessory devices or position them optimally relative to the outspread legs
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-tube structure serves multiple functions: the main tube provides primary support, while secondary and tertiary tubes provide additional support points and mounting locations for accessories. Each tube can independently support different types of equipment, making the single stand structure universally applicable for various photography and lighting equipment configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubes are designed to be adjustable in position and angle, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the support structure. The legs can be rotated and locked at different angles, and the secondary/tertiary tubes can be positioned at various heights and orientations, enabling optimal positioning for different accessory arrangements.
3Weight of moving object
If the stand uses traditional materials for extension rods, then the structure is strong, but the weight is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The extension rods are constructed from composite materials combining carbon fiber and polymer components. Carbon fiber provides high tensile and compressive strength while the polymer components reduce overall density. This composite construction achieves the required structural strength for supporting photography equipment while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional solid metal construction.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a multi-leg stand, for photography and the like comprising a vertical main tube, a supporting structure for the vertical main tube comprising a plurality of legs connected to the bottom portion of said vertical main tube and including a plurality of lockable collars rotatably secured around the outer circumference of the vertical main tube and a leg rigidly secured to each of the lockable collars; each leg extends horizontally outwardly from one of the collars and including an outer end portion extending downwardly. At least one of the downwardly extending end portions, comprises a secondary tubular member having an opening at each end designed to securely hold a replaceable member; the replaceable member extends downwardly from the lower end opening thus providing further support for the stand. The stand can thus support either multiple lights or a combination of lights and reflectors or other elements.