Tripod Head Damping Device Radial Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic damping devices for tripod heads require substantial material and construction space, are complex to manufacture and install, and lack adjustable damping force without increasing axial space, leading to high production costs and unreliable damping settings.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic damping device with a second damping element constructed from two separate parts arranged radially, allowing independent fixation to adjust damping force without increasing axial space, using a simple assembly of just three parts and a leaf spring mechanism for torque transfer, enabling four damping stages from zero to maximum force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple damping members are arranged in succession in the axial direction to achieve adjustable damping force, then the damping force can be adjusted, but the axial construction space increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from axial arrangement to radial arrangement of damping elements. The second damping element is divided into multiple radially arranged segments that can be independently activated, enabling damping force adjustment without increasing axial space. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by moving the adjustment mechanism from the axial dimension to the radial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The second damping element is segmented into multiple independent radially arranged parts. Each segment can be independently engaged or disengaged from the first damping element, allowing selective activation of damping zones. This segmentation enables adjustable damping force while maintaining compact axial construction space, as the segments are arranged radially rather than axially.
2Adaptability or versatility
If damping elements are moved relative to each other in the axial direction to adjust damping force, then the damping force becomes adjustable, but the structure becomes complex and requires substantial axial construction space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving damping elements axially to adjust damping force, the invention uses radial arrangement of segments with selective engagement. The adjustment mechanism operates in the radial dimension through engagement/disengagement of segments rather than axial movement, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential damping function from complex axial movement mechanisms and implements it through simpler radial segment engagement. By taking out only the necessary engagement function and implementing it through radial segments with engagement elements, the structure is simplified while retaining damping force adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic damping devices are designed with adjustable damping force, then the damping can be adapted to different needs, but production costs increase due to high material usage and complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The second damping element is segmented into multiple radially arranged parts that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual segments compared to complex axial movement mechanisms, reducing production costs while maintaining adjustable damping force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple damping segments into a single integrated second damping element that can be manufactured as one piece or assembled from simpler segments. This merging approach, combined with radial arrangement, reduces the total material required compared to multiple separate axial damping members, thereby reducing production costs.
4Reliability
If damping members are fixed via toothing with small tolerances to achieve play-free damping, then play-free damping is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism transitions from axial toothing to radial segment engagement. The radially arranged segments with engagement elements provide play-free damping through radial engagement rather than axial toothing, allowing for more relaxed tolerance requirements and simpler manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
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 reduces material usage and construction space, allows adjustable damping force without axial expansion, simplifies assembly, and maintains reliable damping settings across various stages, addressing the limitations of prior designs.
Implementation Method 1
a damping medium or fluid e.g. a damping liquid e.g. silicone oil or grease is provided between the ribs of the damping elements
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod head, in particular to hold a film or television camera, includes a first body and a second body, wherein the first body can be pivoted about at least one pivot axis relative to the second body, and a damping device to damp the pivoting movement of the first body relative to the second body, with a first damping element fixed to the first body and a second damping element, wherein the damping elements each have a plurality of concentrically arranged annular ribs which engage in cavities formed between the ribs of the respective other damping element and a damping medium is provided between the ribs of the damping element, wherein the second damping element is formed of at least two separate parts which are fixable independently of each other to the second body.