Tripod Column Positioning via Auxiliary Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripods for photographic equipment lack flexibility in positioning the column, leading to increased dimensions and safety risks during column repositioning, which affects compactness and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A tripod design featuring a capsizable column with a through opening on the spider for sliding along a panoramic axis and an auxiliary positioning element, allowing the column to move in two directions, including a sleeve that can be easily switched between operational and non-operational positions, enabling safe and quick repositioning without detaching from the spider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pair of opposed jaws is mounted on the spider to allow horizontal column positioning, then the flexibility of column positioning is improved, but the overall dimensions of the tripod increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary positioning element is nested within the spider structure, with the sleeve positioned inside the spider body and the seat integrated into the sleeve. This nesting arrangement allows the column positioning mechanism to be contained within the existing spider footprint, avoiding increase in overall tripod dimensions while maintaining dual-directional column positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-vertical-axis column positioning to dual-axis positioning by introducing horizontal positioning capability through the sleeve and seat mechanism. The column can now move along the vertical axis (first direction) and horizontal axis (second direction perpendicular to first), enabling positioning in multiple dimensions without proportionally increasing all dimensions of the tripod.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the column is physically separated from the spider for repositioning, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the safety risk increases due to potential falling
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary positioning element remains预先 positioned and ready within the spider structure. The sleeve is pre-configured with the seat in a ready position, and the locking mechanism is pre-arranged to engage automatically when the column is moved to the desired horizontal position. This eliminates the need for complete separation and reattachment, reducing safety risks while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary positioning element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the column and the spider. Instead of directly separating and reattaching the column to the spider, the column interacts with the auxiliary positioning element which mediates the transition, providing a safer and more controlled repositioning process that maintains continuous support.
3Device complexity
If a fixed column position is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability for different shooting positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic positioning capability to the tripod column system. The column transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position along two perpendicular axes. The auxiliary positioning element with its sleeve, seat, and locking mechanism enables the column to be dynamically repositioned to various heights and horizontal locations, adapting to different shooting requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod for supporting video/photographic equipment comprises: a spider (2) on which are articulated a plurality of legs (3); a column (5) engaged in the spider and slidable in a first direction (X) between a retracted position, in which a supporting surface of the photographic equipment is close to the spider, and an extended position, in which the supporting surface (7) is remote from the spider; and an auxiliary positioning element (10) associated with the spider and comprising a seat (12) provided to house the column (5) in engaged manner in such a way as to be able to slide in a second direction (Y), which differs from the first direction (X). The seat (12) is provided on a sleeve (11) engaged in the spider (2) in such a way as to be able to slide in the first direction (X), between a non-operational position in which the seat (12) is concealed inside the spider and an operating position in which the seat (12) projects out from the spider to permit the column to slide in the second direction (Y).