Tripod Connecting Plate Mechanism for Stable Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripods face issues with poor stability of support legs after deployment and significant space occupation when collapsed, particularly due to the lack of a strip-shaped connecting plate structure and eccentric folding design.
Innovation Solution
A connecting-plate-type support mechanism featuring a strip-shaped connecting plate that nests between outer leg tubes when collapsed, with a single-side eccentric spiral deployment and collapse mechanism, enhanced by a triangular prism center column and locking mechanisms to ensure stability and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional U-shaped steel wire leg-bracing mechanism is used, then leg stability is improved, but space occupation after collapsed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg brace is designed to nest within the gap between adjacent outer leg tubes when collapsed, significantly reducing the space occupation. The strip-shaped connecting plate structure allows the leg brace to be hidden inside the leg assembly, achieving compact storage while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg brace is divided into multiple segments connected by articulation points, allowing it to fold and collapse into a compact form. The strip-shaped connecting plate is segmented to enable eccentric deployment and collapse, resolving the contradiction between stability and compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If strip-shaped connecting plate structure is adopted, then space occupation after collapsed is reduced, but leg stability after deployed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leg brace employs an eccentric deployment and collapse mechanism, where the articulation points are positioned asymmetrically on the strip-shaped connecting plate. This asymmetric design allows the leg brace to extend outward and provide stability when deployed, while collapsing inward to minimize space occupation when folded.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional leg-bracing mechanism is used, then leg stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg brace is integrated with the outer leg tube through articulation connections, merging the bracing function into the existing leg structure. The strip-shaped connecting plate combines multiple functions including structural support, articulation, and collapse capability, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting-plate-type support mechanism of a tripod, including a connecting component, three support leg assemblies and a center column. An outer circumference of the center column is provided with at least one raised rib or groove. An inner side of each support leg assembly is provided with a leg brace. An end of an outer leg tube of each support leg assembly is provided with a locking wrench socket. A side of the locking wrench socket is provided with a protrusion, on which an external articulation base is provided. One end of the leg brace is fixed on an inner side of the outer leg tube through the external articulation base. An outer circumference of a connecting sleeve is provided with an inner articulation base corresponding to the protrusion. The other end of the leg brace is articulated with a side of the inner articulation base.