Camera Tripod Head Damping Mechanism with Cam-Driven Stop Block

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera tripod head damping mechanisms are difficult to control, prone to jamming, and can be damaged, making it challenging to adjust the tripod head smoothly and accurately.

Innovation Solution

A damping mechanism comprising a fixing seat, spindle, damping devices with a stop block and drive device, including a push lever, seesaw plate, and cam, allows for precise control of damping force by turning cams to adjust the stop block's engagement with damping discs, featuring a spring mechanism for resetting and a locking device for secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional damping mechanism with multiple damping holes and a damping shaft is used, then damping function is provided, but the mechanism is difficult to control and prone to jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping mechanism reliabilityVSAvoiddamping mechanism controllability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The damping mechanism is divided into multiple independent damping devices, each with its own stop block and drive device. This segmentation allows each damping device to operate independently, preventing jamming between components while maintaining reliable damping function across the entire mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop block is designed to be movable along the spindle, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states with the damping disc. This dynamic design allows smooth adjustment of damping force without fixed constraints that could cause jamming, improving both controllability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the damping shaft passes through damping holes in sequence, then damping is achieved, but engagement control becomes difficult and parts may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparts durabilityVSAvoidengagement control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop block serves as an intermediary component between the drive device and the damping disc. It translates the rotational motion of the cam into linear sliding motion, enabling precise control of engagement and disengagement without direct complex interactions between the damping shaft and damping holes, reducing part damage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional direct mechanical engagement of the damping shaft through damping holes is replaced with a cam-driven stop block mechanism. This substitution simplifies engagement control while maintaining the damping function, reducing the complexity of control and minimizing part damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the outer ring cannot be turned, then the damping structure is stable, but the operation of the tripod head is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping structure stabilityVSAvoidtripod head operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer ring is designed to rotate about the spindle axis, transforming from a static stable structure to a dynamic component. This allows the outer ring to be turned for adjusting the tripod head while the damping mechanism maintains stability through the engaged stop block and damping disc, resolving the conflict between stability and operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables convenient, accurate, and damage-resistant adjustment of the tripod head, allowing for customizable damping forces and improved user experience with reduced risk of mechanical failure.

Implementation Method 1

A spring is provided between the stop block and the fixing block. The stop block is movable to slide along the spindle under the action of the spring to engage with the inner ring of the damping disc.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3348892B1Damping mechanism of camera tripod head
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 NINGBO EIMAGE STUDIO EQUIPMENT CO LTD
  • EP3348892B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3348892B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3348892B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A damping mechanism of a camera tripod head includes a fixing seat (2), a spindle (1) connected to the fixing seat (2), damping devices fitted on the spindle (1), and a rotary seat (3). Each damping device includes a damping disc (4), a stop block (5) fitted on the spindle (1), and a drive device for pushing the stop block (5) to slide along the spindle (1). The damping disc (4) includes an inner ring (42) and an outer ring (41). The stop block (5) is movable to disengage from the inner ring (42) of the damping disc (4) by the drive device. The drive device includes a push lever (81), a seesaw plate (82) hinged to the fixing seat (2), and a cam (84) mounted on the fixing seat (2). One end of the push lever (81) leans against the stop block (5). One end of the seesaw plate (82) leans against another end of the push lever (81). Another end of the seesaw plate (82) leans against the cam (84).