Tripod Button Mechanism Anti-Slip Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripod button mechanisms are prone to slipping and gear-off, reducing the stability of the supporting leg and increasing the complexity and cost of the angle position locking structure due to the need for a ratchet mechanism with complex processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A tripod button mechanism with a button structure that includes a joint with a circular transition design, a supporting structure that provides a stabilizing force, and a biasing structure to reposition the button, eliminating the need for a ratchet mechanism and reducing manufacturing costs by simplifying the angle position locking structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is used to prevent button slippage, then the anti-slip performance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ratchet mechanism from the tripod button assembly, replacing it with a simpler button structure that integrates directly with the leg shaft sleeve. This eliminates the complex pawl and ratchet tooth components while maintaining locking functionality through the button's positional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the button and leg shaft sleeve into a more integrated assembly, where the button structure directly engages with the leg shaft sleeve without requiring separate ratchet components. This consolidation simplifies the overall mechanism while preserving the anti-slip and locking functions.
2Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is used to prevent button slippage, then the anti-slip performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ratchet mechanism from the tripod button assembly, replacing it with a simpler button structure that integrates directly with the leg shaft sleeve. This eliminates the complex pawl and ratchet tooth components while maintaining locking functionality through the button's positional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, precisely-machined ratchet mechanism with a simpler, more cost-effective button structure that achieves the same functional outcome through geometric design rather than complex mechanical engagement, reducing manufacturing costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the button structure is simplified to reduce cost, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability of the supporting leg deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometric design in the button and leg shaft sleeve interfaces, creating a configuration where the button naturally resists slippage in the critical direction through its shaped engagement surfaces, achieving stability without symmetric ratchet teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved or rounded transition structures in the button geometry, particularly at the engagement points with the leg shaft sleeve, which provide smooth force distribution and prevent stress concentration, maintaining structural stability while simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod button mechanism includes an angle position locking structure fixedly arranged on a body of a tripod. A button structure includes a button disposed rotatably on a leg shaft sleeve of the tripod through a first shaft. The button joint joints with the angle limitation structure to lock an opening angle of a supporting leg of the tripod. The tripod button mechanism includes a supporting structure abutting against the button when the joint joints with the limitation structure, and an extension line between the supporting position of the support structure and the joint intersects with an extension line of the supporting leg extending towards one end where the angle position locking structure is located.