Removable tripod foot with securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Removable tripod feet often struggle with secure attachment due to difficulty in tightening and susceptibility to loosening, leading to instability and potential detachment, especially under cyclic loads and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a resilient element, such as an elastomeric o-ring, at the interface between the foot and the ferrule, which increases friction and resists loosening by compressing and maintaining contact between interfacing surfaces, facilitated by a tool-assisted tightening mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If removable feet are attached to tripod legs by screw threads, then the feet can be easily installed and removed, but the threaded connection is difficult to tighten and may loosen under cyclic loads and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient element (such as a rubber or elastomeric ring) is introduced as an intermediary between the foot and the tripod leg. This element increases friction at the interface, preventing the foot from loosening under vibration and cyclic loads while still allowing for easy installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element changes the friction parameter at the interface between the foot and tripod leg. By increasing friction through the elastic deformation and contact pressure of the resilient material, the connection resists loosening without requiring excessive tightening torque.
2Reliability
If the threaded connection is tightened to prevent loosening, then reliability improves, but the difficulty of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element acts as a mediator that maintains connection stability through increased friction rather than relying solely on high tightening torque, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing installation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element provides sufficient friction to prevent loosening under typical operating conditions (vibration and cyclic loads) without requiring excessive tightening force during installation. The friction increase is partial but adequate for the intended application.
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 solution ensures easy installation and reliable resistance to loosening of the threaded connection, enhancing the stability and utility of the tripod by maintaining friction during vibration and cyclic loading.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element, such as an elastomeric o-ring, at the interface between the foot and the ferrule, which increases friction and resists loosening
Implementation Method 2
a resilient element, such as an elastomeric o-ring, at the interface between the foot and the ferrule, which increases friction and resists loosening by compressing and maintaining contact between interfacing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Installation of a removable tripod foot is facilitated by a cross-axis aperture in the foot and loosening of the threaded connection of the foot and the tripod's leg is resisted by a resilient element engaging interfacing surfaces of the foot and the leg.