Tripod Head LED Illumination for Low-Light Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In poorly lit areas, users struggle to adjust tripods without visible cues, and in densely populated spaces, tripod legs are hard to observe, leading to the risk of accidental knocking or damage.

Innovation Solution

A tripod with a head element that incorporates Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for illumination within the working area, specifically beneath the head element, to facilitate adjustment and visibility of legs, reducing the risk of accidental damage and allowing for low-light vision without distracting the camera's target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If illumination means are added to the tripod head element, then visibility of the working area and legs is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of working areaVSAvoidcomplexity of tripod structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination means are integrated directly into the head element structure, merging the lighting function with the existing mechanical components. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity while providing the required illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The head element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the camera, enables positioning adjustments, and now also houses the illumination means. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If illumination means are incorporated into the head element, then the number of external components is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidprecision of head element
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the illumination means into the head element, the patent reduces the total component count. The head element becomes a multi-functional unit that combines structural, positioning, and illumination functions, simplifying assembly while requiring precise manufacturing of the integrated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances usability in low-light conditions by illuminating the adjustment area and leg positions, preventing accidental tripod knocks while minimizing weight and heat generation, and allowing for adjustable light settings and communication through the LED system.

Implementation Method 1

A tripod for supporting a video camera (1), wherein said tripod (1) incorporates an illumination means (6) arranged to illuminate a working area of the tripod (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3209923B1A tripod for supporting a video camera
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 VITEC GRP PLC
  • EP3209923B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3209923B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A tripod (1) for supporting a video camera is disclosed. The tripod (1) comprises a head element (4) and a plurality of supporting legs (2), whereby each said leg (2) is attached at one end to said head (4). The tripod comprises an illumination means (6), the illumination means (6) being arranged to illuminate a space beneath said head element (4).