Tripod Ball Locking Mechanism for One-Step Vertical Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tripod locking mechanisms are labor-intensive and prone to misalignment due to manual operation, requiring repetitive adjustments to maintain vertical alignment of the central rod, which is both time-consuming and physically demanding.
Innovation Solution
A supporting stand with a swing locking mechanism featuring a movable pin and elastic member, allowing for simple vertical locking and unlocking of the spherical body through a single-action operation using a foot pedal, ensuring precise alignment without deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used, then the spherical body can be secured, but the locking operation is labor-intensive and requires repetitive adjustments to maintain vertical alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional locking approach by using a foot pedal to drive the locking mechanism upward rather than requiring manual operation from below. The locking assembly moves upward along the guide groove to engage the ball, transforming the operation into a simpler foot-driven action that maintains vertical alignment without repetitive adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foot pedal as an intermediary device between the operator and the locking mechanism. The pedal drives the locking assembly upward through a connecting rod, converting foot pressure into precise locking motion. This intermediary simplifies the operation by eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of the locking components
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of the locking mechanism is used, then the ball can be locked, but the central rod deviates from vertical upright position requiring repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the operation direction to upward motion driven by the foot pedal, which naturally pushes the locking assembly vertically along the guide groove. This upward motion ensures the locking pin engages the ball centered in the cavity, maintaining vertical alignment without deviation that would require repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove is pre-configured with a specific trajectory that guides the locking assembly upward in a predetermined path. This preliminary design of the motion path ensures that the locking pin approaches the ball from the correct angle and position, automatically maintaining vertical alignment during the locking operation
3Force
If a reset spring with larger dimensions is used, then the locking force is stronger, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reset spring is nested within the locking assembly, fitting inside the hollow cylindrical structure. This nesting allows the spring to have larger dimensions and provide stronger locking force without increasing the overall external dimensions of the device. The spring is contained within the locking assembly's internal space, maintaining a compact external profile
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 mechanism enables effortless vertical alignment and secure locking of external components, eliminating the need for repetitive adjustments and enhancing operational convenience by allowing the spherical body to swing freely or remain vertically aligned with a single press of the pedal.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient or elastic member, where the resilient or elastic member is disposed between the locking assembly and the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod comprising a main body with a rotating cavity at the upper end, a ball rotatably arranged in the rotating cavity, and a ball swing locking mechanism for locking or releasing the ball; the ball swing locking mechanism comprises a locking assembly that is slidably matched with the main body, a reset elastic member located between the locking assembly and the main body, and a limiting assembly connected to the main body and provided with a movable pin that cooperates with the locking assembly; in response to the locking assembly slides under an external force, the movable pin may be moved and positioned to a locked position or an unlocked position; in the locked position, the locking assembly presses against the ball to limit the axis swing of the ball; in the unlocked position, the locking assembly releases the ball to allow the ball to swing.