Telescopic Camera Support Locking for Faster Setup and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for video/photographic equipment, such as tripods and monopods, are slow to set up and store due to the need for separate locking mechanisms for each pair of telescopic rod sections, which complicates the process and reduces stability and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic rod design with a connecting element, such as an outer sleeve, that simultaneously actuates both locking mechanisms, allowing for rapid locking and unlocking of all tubular portions, reducing mechanical connections and enhancing stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate locking mechanisms are provided for each pair of successive tubular portions, then each tubular portion can be independently adjusted, but the set up and storage operations become slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking system. The locking mechanism is designed to simultaneously lock and unlock all tubular portions through a single actuating action, eliminating the need to operate separate locking mechanisms for each tubular portion. This merging of functions directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining independent adjustment capability while dramatically reducing the time required for setup and storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple locking operations simultaneously. A single locking mechanism can lock multiple pairs of successive tubular portions at the same time, and a single actuating element can control the entire telescopic rod assembly. This universal design allows the system to maintain the capability of independent adjustment while reducing the number of operations required, thus resolving the time loss issue.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are provided for each telescopic rod, then stable locking is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking system. Instead of having separate locking mechanisms for each pair of tubular portions, the invention designs a unified locking mechanism that can simultaneously secure multiple tubular portions. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining reliable locking stability through the coordinated action of the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple functional elements that work in coordination. The single locking mechanism comprises multiple locking elements or segments that can engage with different tubular portions simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability by distributing the locking function across multiple points while keeping the overall structure simple and reducing the total component count.
3Productivity
If a kinematic chain with plurality of transmissions is used to simultaneously lock tubular portions, then rapid operation is achieved, but the system becomes complicated and loses rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex kinematic chain with multiple transmissions from the locking system. Instead of using a complicated mechanical transmission system to achieve simultaneous locking, the invention adopts a direct-acting locking mechanism that operates without intermediate transmissions. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains rapid operation capability while significantly simplifying the system structure and preserving rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical transmission system (kinematic chain) with a more direct mechanical arrangement. The locking mechanism uses a simple actuating element that directly engages with the tubular portions through basic mechanical elements like cam surfaces or lever arms, eliminating the need for complex gear trains, linkages, or other transmission components. This substitution achieves rapid locking while reducing complexity and maintaining structural rigidity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~6
AI summary
A support device (1; 100) for video/photographic equipment comprising at least one telescopic rod (2; 101) comprising: - a first tubular portion (10); - a second tubular portion (11) received inside the first tubular portion so as to be able to slide axially; - a third tubular portion (12) received inside the second tubular portion so as to be able to slide axially; - a first locking mechanism (14) arranged between said first tubular portion and the second tubular portion in order to lock the relative position of said first and second tubular portion in a desired position; - a second locking mechanism (20) arranged between said second tubular portion and the third tubular portion in order to lock the relative position of the second and the third tubular portion in a desired position.