Telescoping Assembly Single Actuator Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic assemblies, such as those used in camera tripods, face challenges with weight, awkward operation, and the inability to lock at multiple positions, requiring individual operation of each leg segment and limited locking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic assembly design featuring a plurality of telescopically arranged tube assemblies with a locking assembly and actuating tube, allowing simultaneous locking and unlocking of multiple segments with a single actuator, utilizing cam and cam follower mechanisms to transmit torque and engage clamps for secure locking at any point of extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual locking mechanisms are used for each telescoping section, then each section can be locked independently, but the device becomes complex and requires multiple individual operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking mechanisms are merged into a single integrated locking assembly that simultaneously locks all telescoping sections. The locking assembly includes a single actuator that controls multiple clamps, allowing all sections to be locked or unlocked with one operation rather than requiring individual manipulation of each section's lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locks and unlocks all telescoping sections, provides adjustable positioning at any extension point, and maintains structural stability. A single actuator controls the entire locking system, making it versatile for various telescoping configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If locking mechanisms are limited to full extension and retraction only, then the mechanism is simpler, but the assembly cannot be locked at intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from static fixed-position locking to dynamic continuous-position locking. The cam mechanism allows the clamps to engage with the telescoping sections at any point along their length, enabling the assembly to be locked at any extension position rather than predetermined positions, providing continuous adjustability.
3Reliability
If multiple individual locking mechanisms are used, then each section can be secured independently, but the overall weight of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are combined into a single locking assembly with shared components. Instead of having separate locking mechanisms for each telescoping section, the invention uses one locking assembly that controls multiple clamps through a single actuator, reducing the total number of components and overall weight while maintaining reliable locking of all sections.
4Productivity
If simultaneous locking of multiple sections is achieved, then setup time is reduced, but the mechanism becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is pre-configured with multiple clamps and cam mechanisms that are ready to engage simultaneously. When the single actuator is operated, all clamps are actuated at the same time through the cam mechanism, allowing rapid simultaneous locking of all telescoping sections without requiring sequential operation, thus improving setup speed.
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
Enables efficient and quick setup and teardown of telescopic structures by allowing locking at any extension point with a single actuator, reducing setup time and enhancing stability through self-leveling and increased grip between segments.
Implementation Method 1
Each locking assembly includes a cam and a cam follower. In one form, at least a portion of the cam and cam follower are shaped to substantially complement each other.
Implementation Method 2
the actuating tubes are mutually arranged to prevent relative rotation and to allow the transmission of torque from one actuating tube to another actuating tube
Implementation Method 3
In one form, in the locked position, the clamp engages an inside surface of the support tube. In such a form, in the locked position, a portion of the clamp preferably frictionally engages with an inside surface of the support tube.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic assembly, particularly suited to a tripod or monopod, having a plurality of telescopically arranged tube assemblies. Each tube assembly has a support tube, a locking assembly, and an actuating tube operatively engaged with, and slidably movable within, the locking assembly. The support tube telescopically receives a further locking assembly and an end of a corresponding further support tube of another of the plurality of support tubes and the actuating tube telescopically receives an end of a corresponding further actuating tube of another of the plurality of actuating tubes. Advantageously, all segments of the telescopic assembly can be unlocked, extended or retracted, and locked with a single actuator.