Telescopic Tripod Leg Locking for Fast Setup and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for video-photographic apparatus, such as tripods and monopods, face challenges with slow staging and storage operations due to complex kinematic chains and insufficient rigidity and stability in extended configurations, often requiring numerous components and external connection elements that increase the footprint.
Innovation Solution
A support device with telescopic legs featuring a unique configuration of three tubular sections where the intermediate section has a larger diameter, allowing adjacent sections to slide inside, providing a compact design and effective locking mechanism without external components, and a single operating member for simultaneous locking and unlocking, ensuring uniform tightening and enhanced rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a simultaneous locking and unlocking system with numerous transmissions and components is used (WO 2016/131102), then the locking operation can be performed simultaneously on multiple tubular sections, but the system becomes complicated to manufacture and lacks sufficient rigidity and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex kinematic chain with numerous transmissions and components from the system. Instead of using multiple interconnected locking mechanisms, it extracts the essential locking function and implements it through a simplified structure where a single operating member directly controls locking elements on each tubular section independently, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining simultaneous locking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into independent locking elements on each tubular section, each controlled by its own simple mechanism. This segmentation allows each section to be locked simultaneously through individual control points without requiring a complex interconnected transmission system, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining productivity
2Productivity
If external connection elements are used to connect locking devices between consecutive tubular sections (WO 2020/003060), then simultaneous locking and unlocking can be achieved, but the overall footprint of the telescopic leg increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are nested within the tubular sections themselves, with each locking element positioned inside its corresponding tubular section. This nesting eliminates the need for external connection elements, maintaining a compact footprint while enabling simultaneous locking operation across multiple sections through the operating member
3Manufacturing precision
If independent adjustment of each locking mechanism is required, then uniform tightening can be achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal control element that simultaneously actuates all locking elements across different tubular sections. This single operating member provides uniform tightening to all sections through its coordinated action, eliminating the need for independent adjustment of each mechanism while maintaining operation simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A support device (1; 100) for video-photographic apparatus, includes at least one telescopic leg (2; 100) having a first tubular section (10), a second tubular section (11) and a third tubular section (12) which are connected in telescopic engagement one after the other, a locking mechanism (20), configured to lock and to allow the relative sliding between the first tubular section (10), the second tubular section (11) and the third tubular section (12). Both the first tubular section (10) and the third tubular section (12) are partially housed inside the second tubular section (11) and are configured to slide axially away from and towards the inside of the second tubular section (11) through the longitudinally opposite ends of the second tubular section (11).