Telescopic Camera Support Leg With Single-Member Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for video-photographic apparatus, such as tripods and monopods, are not fast enough in staging and storage operations, lack sufficient rigidity and stability in extended configurations, and require complex kinematic chains with numerous components, which increases the overall footprint.
Innovation Solution
A support device with telescopic legs featuring a unique configuration where three tubular sections are connected in telescopic engagement, allowing simultaneous locking and unlocking through a single operating member, ensuring homogeneous tightening and maintaining rigidity without external components, thus facilitating rapid extension and retraction while maintaining a reduced footprint.
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 speed is improved, but the device complexity increases and rigidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex kinematic chain with numerous transmissions and components from the locking system. Instead, it uses a simplified mechanism where a single operating member directly actuates locking elements that engage with notches on the tubular sections, achieving simultaneous locking without the need for complex intermediate transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the locking elements directly engage with the tubular sections through a simple operating member, rather than using a complex system of transmissions to transfer motion from a central actuator to multiple locking points. This inversion simplifies the mechanism while maintaining simultaneous locking capability.
2Ease of operation
If a connection element is used to connect locking devices externally (WO 2020/003060), then the locking operation is simplified, but the overall footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the locking elements and operating member entirely within the hollow interior of the intermediate tubular section. The locking mechanism is nested inside the telescopic leg structure, eliminating the need for external connection elements and reducing the overall footprint while maintaining ease of operation through a single external operating member.
3Manufacturing precision
If independent adjustment of locking mechanisms is required, then uniform tightening can be achieved, but the staging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single operating member that simultaneously actuates all locking elements. The operating member is designed with multiple engagement points that interact with notches on different tubular sections, allowing uniform tightening to be achieved through a single coordinated motion rather than independent adjustment of each locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member serves multiple functions: it simultaneously locks and unlocks all tubular sections, provides uniform tightening force, and maintains rigidity in extended configuration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms while achieving the desired tightening uniformity.
4Length of moving object
If telescopic legs are extended for support, then the support height is increased, but the rigidity and stability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring that locking elements are already positioned and ready to engage with notches on the tubular sections before extension. The operating member pre-positions the locking elements, and upon actuation, they immediately engage with the notches to lock the tubular sections in their extended positions, providing immediate rigidity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, robust locking elements with notches that provide sufficient rigidity for the extended configuration without requiring complex, heavy-duty components. The notch-based locking system provides adequate stability for its intended use while keeping the mechanism simple and lightweight.
Data Source
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AI summary
A support device (1; 100) for video-photographic apparatus, comprises at least one telescopic leg (2; 100) comprising 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 said first tubular section (10), said second tubular section (11) and said 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).