Telescopic Support Locking Mechanism for Compact One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic supports for photographic and video equipment face challenges in compact design and ease of operation, as they require substantial space and are complex to unlock manually, especially when constructed with various materials.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking device using a frustoconical seat and cam-profile system between tubular elements, where a cam-follower mechanism and spring enable automatic locking and easy manual unlocking, allowing for one-handed operation and adaptation to different materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a beaker-like formation with tapered seat and contractible collar is used for locking, then automatic locking in loading direction is achieved, but device volume becomes large and compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the tubular elements themselves. The frustoconical seat is formed by flaring the end of one tubular element, and the contractible collar fits over the other tubular element, with both components nesting within the telescopic structure without requiring external housing or additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, guide telescopic movement, and incorporate the locking mechanism directly into their structure through the frustoconical seat formed by flaring. This eliminates the need for separate locking device housing.
2Reliability
If a beaker-like formation with contractible collar is used for locking, then automatic locking in loading direction is achieved, but manual unlocking becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service locking where the load automatically engages the contractible collar with the frustoconical seat through cam-action, eliminating the need for complex manual locking procedures. The user simply needs to apply light axial force to engage or disengage the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complex manual operation to engage the lock, the design inverts the approach: light axial force automatically engages the lock through cam-action, while unlocking is achieved by simple reverse axial movement that releases the cam engagement.
3Volume of moving object
If frustoconical seat is formed by flaring tubular element, then locking device becomes compact, but this method is not suitable for all materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the tubular element end by flaring it to form a frustoconical seat. This geometric transformation creates the locking surface while maintaining material integrity, and the process can be adapted to different materials through appropriate forming techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
A covering element is introduced as an intermediary between the frustoconical seat and the contractible collar. This covering can be fitted over the flared end and provides a suitable friction surface for the collar, enabling the locking mechanism to work with various tubular element materials including those that may not ideally suit direct collar engagement.
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 solution provides a compact, efficient locking mechanism that automatically locks under load and can be easily unlocked with minimal force, ensuring the support can be operated with one hand and is adaptable to various material constructions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which is active in the direction of arrow F in Figure 1 between a shoulder 18 formed by the enlarged portion 11 and an annular plug 19 fitted on the second sleeve 15
Implementation Method 2
a frustoconical seat 8 on which a covering 9 is fitted and held in a suitable recess
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
An adjustable telescopic support comprises at least two tubular elements (2, 3), a device (5) for locking the elements in an adjustable position which includes a seat (8) a contractible collar (20) which is mounted in the seat. Clamping means are provided between the collar and the seat for contracting the collar as a function of a movement thereof in the seat. The support also comprises actuator means active between the collar and the external tubular element in order to move the collar axially in the seat The actuator means comprise a spring (17) which is active between the collar, by interposition of a collar-carrying member (15) and a cam profile (12) between the collar-carrying member (15) and the external tubular element capable of moving the collar axially with respect to the seat between the operative and non-operative positions.