Extendable Support Leg Locking Ring for Secure Tube Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera support legs with a single lever for synchronous locking of multi-section tubes are prone to accidental unlocking under heavy loads and provide a cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
An extendable support leg with a locking control mechanism comprising a locking ring and drive shaft, connected to first and second clamping mechanisms through a planetary gear assembly, allows for secure locking and adjustment of leg tubes without external protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single lever is used to control multi-section leg tubes synchronously, then the operation is simplified, but the locking effect is undesirable and the lever is easy to be touched and unlocked by accident
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single lever mechanism into multiple independent locking levers, each controlling a specific section of the leg tube. This segmentation allows each lever to be smaller and less prone to accidental activation while maintaining synchronized control through a common drive shaft. The multi-section leg tube is divided into multiple segments that can be locked independently at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms into a unified system where multiple locking levers are connected through a common drive shaft. This merging allows the levers to work together synergistically, providing both the simplicity of a single control point and the reliability of multiple locking points. The combined system achieves both ease of operation and locking stability.
2Device complexity
If a single lever locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking effect is insufficient under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking units, each with its own lever and clamping structure. This segmentation distributes the locking strength across multiple points along the leg tube, allowing the system to support heavy loads without requiring a single complex high-strength mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastic components and spring mechanisms that provide counteracting forces to maintain locking pressure. These elastic elements continuously apply force to keep the locking levers engaged with the leg tube sections, compensating for any loosening due to vibration or load changes, thereby enhancing locking strength without adding significant complexity.
3Device complexity
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the operation is cumbersome when adjusting leg tube length
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking levers are merged into a unified control system through a common drive shaft and connection mechanisms. This allows the user to adjust the length of multi-section leg tubes by operating a single lever that simultaneously controls all locking points, greatly improving adjustment convenience while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded levers and elastic clamping components that automatically adapt to different leg tube positions and diameters. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to maintain effective locking across various adjustment positions without requiring complex manual intervention, enhancing ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If a lever protrudes externally for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the storage convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking levers are designed to be nested within the leg tube structure rather than protruding externally. The levers are positioned in recesses or channels along the leg tube, allowing them to be accessed and operated while maintaining a compact overall form factor. This nesting approach preserves accessibility while minimizing the volume required for storage and transport.
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
Provides a user-friendly, secure locking mechanism that prevents accidental unlocking and simplifies the adjustment process, enhancing the usability and storage convenience of camera support legs.
Implementation Method 1
The locking ring and drive shaft may be connected through a planetary gear assembly
Implementation Method 2
a first clamping mechanism arranged between the top leg tube and the middle leg tube, and a second clamping mechanism arranged between the middle leg tube and the end leg tube
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable support leg includes an axially telescopic top leg tube, a middle leg tube and an end leg tube. A first clamping mechanism is between the top leg tube and the middle leg tube. A second clamping mechanism is between the middle leg tube and the end leg tube. A locking control mechanism includes a locking ring connected to an upper end of the top leg tube, and a drive shaft connected to the locking ring has one end extended into the top leg tube. When the locking ring rotates, it drives the drive shaft to rotate axially. The drive shaft is connected to the first clamping mechanism to releasably prevent the middle leg tube from moving relative to the top leg tube, and the drive shaft is connected to the second clamping mechanism to releasably prevent the end leg tube from moving relative to the middle leg tube.