Telescopic Camera Support Locking for Faster Setup and Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for video/photographic equipment, such as tripods and monopods, are cumbersome and time-consuming to set up and store due to the need for individual locking mechanisms for each pair of telescopic rod sections, which affects their speed and stability.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a connecting element, such as an outer sleeve, that simultaneously actuates both locking mechanisms between tubular portions, allowing for rapid extension and retraction by reducing mechanical connections and enhancing rigidity 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 time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking system. A unique locking mechanism is provided that can simultaneously lock and unlock all tubular portions through a single actuating operation, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms for each tubular portion while maintaining independent adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple locking operations simultaneously. It can lock and unlock multiple tubular portions at once, and also functions to hold them in independently adjusted positions, thereby reducing operational time while preserving adjustment flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If multiple individual locking mechanisms are used, then each tubular portion can be locked independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking system. This unique locking mechanism incorporates the functionality of multiple separate mechanisms, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining the capability to independently lock and adjust each tubular portion.
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are provided, then each tubular portion can be secured, but the number of mechanical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single locking mechanism, thereby reducing the number of mechanical connections required. The integrated design maintains secure locking of all tubular portions through fewer connection points, improving reliability while simplifying the mechanical structure.
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 enables quick operation and improved stability by reducing the number of mechanical connections, enhancing the transmission of rotary motion, and simplifying the production process, resulting in a more efficient and stable support device.
Implementation Method 1
which system comprises a plurality of telescopic rods inside the tubular portions, which are constrained in rotation to one another, made to rotate by a torsion spring
Data Source
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.