Convertible Tripod End Element for Secure Monopod Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing convertible tripods for video-photographic equipment face issues such as mislaying of end elements, incorrect reassembly, and risk of leg detachment during conversion from tripod to monopod, leading to instability and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A tripod design featuring a removable leg with an end element that acts as a connection between the column and leg, incorporating a secure thread-based connection and a locking mechanism with fall prevention, allowing for stable conversion between tripod and monopod configurations without losing the end element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the end element is integrated into the column as a single piece, then the structure is simpler, but the column cannot be separated from the cross-piece for conversion to monopod mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvertibility between tripod and monopodVSAvoidstructure of column and end element

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end element is separated from the column, creating independent components. The column can be removed from the cross-piece while the end element remains attached to the column, enabling conversion to monopod mode without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end element is designed to be receivable inside the column, creating a nested structure. When assembled, the end element fits within the column's internal space, providing a compact configuration while allowing separation for conversion purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the end element is made removable from the column, then conversion to monopod is enabled, but the end element may be mislaid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvertibility between tripod and monopodVSAvoidretention of end element

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end element is designed to be receivable inside the column, creating a nested structure where the smaller end element fits within the larger column. This nesting provides physical containment that prevents misplacement while still allowing controlled removal for conversion to monopod mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the leg is fixed to the column with a specific angular orientation, then tripod functionality is maintained, but reassembly becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect reassembly of tripodVSAvoidreassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion portion of the leg and the corresponding seat on the cross-piece are designed with asymmetric features that provide unique angular orientation. This asymmetry ensures correct reassembly by allowing the leg to be inserted only in the proper orientation, eliminating errors while simplifying the reassembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Adaptability or versatility

If the leg is made removable from the cross-piece, then monopod conversion is enabled, but the leg may inadvertently fall during disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvertibility between tripod and monopodVSAvoidrisk of leg falling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A fall prevention element is provided that acts in advance to prevent the leg from falling during disassembly. This element creates a preliminary counteracting force or mechanical constraint that opposes the harmful effect of the leg falling, ensuring safe handling during the conversion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

The design ensures secure and reliable conversion between tripod and monopod modes, preventing mislaying of components and ensuring correct reassembly, while providing a stable and secure attachment to prevent accidental detachment and damage.

Implementation Method 1

The end element comprises a first connection device in order to be removably fixed to the first end of the leg which is removed from the cross-piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew threading: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3818293B1Tripod for video-photographic equipment which can be converted into a monopod

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 VIDENDUM MEDIA SOLUTIONS SPA

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AI summary

A tripod for video-photographic equipment comprises: - a plurality of legs (3) which are articulated to a cross-piece (2), in which at least one of the legs is a removable leg (30) which is connected to the cross-piece in a separable manner; - a column (5) which is provided with an attachment element (6) of a video-photographic equipment item and which is engaged with the ability to slide in the cross-piece (2) and which is separable from the cross-piece; - an end element (10) which is provided on the column (5) at the axially opposite side to the attachment element (6). The end element (10) comprises a first connection device (13) in order to removably fix the end element to the removable leg (30) so as to form a monopod (100) by connecting, by means of the end element (10), the removable leg (30) and the column (5) to each other when they are separated from the cross-piece.