Tripod Battery Interface for Interchangeable Powered Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tripods do not provide a unified solution for powering and supporting various accessory devices, such as cameras, lights, and fans, as they require separate power sources and lack a standardized interface for interchangeable devices.
Innovation Solution
A tripod system with a center column, legs, and a battery receptacle that supports interchangeable battery packs and accessory devices, allowing for electrical power transmission through a standardized interface, enabling the same device to be powered by different voltage batteries or directly by a battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tripods use separate power sources for each device, then each device can be powered independently, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tripod is designed with a universal battery receptacle interface that can accept different battery pack types (e.g., 18V, 36V, 54V Max) and provide power to various accessory devices through a standardized head interface. This multi-functional design allows a single tripod system to replace multiple dedicated tripods, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability across different voltage requirements and device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The tripod acts as an intermediary system between the battery pack and accessory devices. The battery receptacle receives power from interchangeable battery packs, and the head interface connects to various accessories, mediating the power transmission and mechanical support. This intermediary role allows the tripod to standardize connections while accommodating different voltage requirements through the same interface architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tripods support interchangeable battery packs with different voltages, then power flexibility increases, but interface design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery receptacle is designed as a universal interface that can mechanically and electrically accommodate multiple battery pack types with different voltages (18V, 36V, 54V Max). The same receptacle structure handles different battery form factors and electrical configurations, eliminating the need for separate receptacles for each battery type and simplifying the overall interface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates different voltage parameters (18V, 36V, 54V Max) through a single interface design that can detect and adapt to the connected battery's voltage characteristics. The electrical contacts and control circuitry are designed to handle varying voltage levels, allowing the interface to dynamically adjust its operation based on the inserted battery pack's parameters.
3Ease of operation
If accessory devices can be removed and coupled directly to battery packs, then portability improves, but connection reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory devices are equipped with dual compatibility: they can connect to the tripod head through a standardized interface or directly to battery packs through the same interface type. This universal design allows users to choose the most convenient connection method for each situation while maintaining consistent connection reliability through standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tripod head serves as an optional intermediary between the battery pack and accessory device. When the accessory is mounted on the tripod, the head provides a stable mechanical connection and power transmission path. When removed, the accessory can connect directly to the battery pack. The standardized interface ensures that both connection paths (through tripod or direct) maintain equivalent reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod includes a main body having a center column with a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a plurality of legs coupled to the center column. The tripod system also includes a battery receptacle supported at the first end of the center column. The battery receptacle has a first interface configured to mechanically and electrically couple to a battery pack. The tripod system further includes a head supported at the second end of the center column. The head has a second interface configured to mechanically and electrically couple to a luminaire. The second interface is complementary to the first interface.