Tripod Stabilizing Base for Fast Setup on Irregular Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact tripods and ball heads lack the capability to properly position the center of mass of cameras, leading to instability, especially under vibration or movement, and require time-consuming adjustments that hinder rapid deployment and may not fully constrain tipping moments, making them unsuitable for travel and documentary videography.
Innovation Solution
A tripod stabilizing base with sufficient mass and pliability, incorporating materials like plastic beads, metal shot, or silicone, that can conform to irregular surfaces and resist tipping moments, while allowing for adjustable height and secure camera mounting without the need for extensive positional adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If compact tripods and compact ball heads are used, then the tripod is light, inexpensive, and convenient to carry, but they lack sufficient intrinsic mass to remain stable under conditions of vibration or movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tripod mounting system with a separate stabilizing base that has sufficient mass to provide stability. The tripod legs are positioned within or on the stabilizing base, merging the lightweight tripod structure with the heavy stabilizing platform to achieve both portability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing base acts as a counterweight platform that compensates for the insufficient mass of the compact tripod. By positioning the tripod legs on or within the heavy base, the system uses the base's weight to counterbalance tipping moments and provide stability during vibration or movement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If positional adjustments to the tripod's feet are made to properly position the center of mass of the camera, then the center of mass can be properly positioned, but it requires time-consuming adjustments that hinder rapid deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing base is pre-configured with multiple predetermined positions for the tripod legs, allowing the center of mass to be properly positioned without time-consuming adjustments. The user can quickly select from pre-established positions rather than making continuous adjustments to the tripod feet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movable or adjustable tripod leg positions on the stabilizing base, allowing dynamic reconfiguration between different shooting scenarios. This enables rapid transition between positions while maintaining proper center of mass positioning for each configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If positional adjustments to the tripod's feet are made to constrain the tipping moment, then the tipping moment can be constrained, but the required area for the tripod's feet becomes larger than that available
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing base extends the support area in the horizontal plane by providing a larger platform than the tripod feet alone. This additional dimensional space allows the tripod legs to be positioned optimally for constraining tipping moments without requiring the tripod feet themselves to be larger.
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod stabilizing base consists of a containing envelope incorporating stabilizing mass elements and tripod foot attachment components. The tripod stabilizing base also includes a force transmitting member arranged such that the force transmitting member transmits forces from the tripod foot attachment components to the stabilizing mass elements, thus allowing the stabilizing mass elements to compensate for imbalance regarding the forces acting on the individual tripod foot attachment components, keeping the mounted tripod from tipping over due to an imbalanced payload.