Tripod Height Adjustment Mechanism for Compact Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height-adjustable tripods require two operators for positioning, are not compact for transport, and are prone to motor damage due to external influences.

Innovation Solution

The height adjustment device is positioned on the underside of the tripod head, surrounded by the tripod head and tilting joints, providing a compact and protected structure during transport, with an overload protection mechanism to decouple the drive unit in case of impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the motor is fastened far below the tripod head via a frame on the tripod legs, then the motor is protected from damage, but the tripod cannot achieve a compact structure in transport position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidtripod compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment device is nested within the protective space formed by the tripod head, tripod legs, and tilting joints. The device is arranged on the underside of the tripod head, utilizing the existing structural envelope rather than extending outward, allowing compact transport while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of positioning the motor vertically below the tripod head along the leg axis, the height adjustment device is positioned on the underside of the tripod head in a horizontal arrangement. This dimensional shift allows the device to fit within the protective space spanned by the tripod structure without requiring additional vertical space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the height adjustment device is arranged on the top side of the tripod head, then the structure is simple, but the tripod is not compact and the motor is exposed to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidmotor protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the height adjustment device on the top side of the tripod head (away from the legs), the device is inverted and positioned on the underside of the tripod head facing the tripod legs. This inversion allows the device to be enclosed within the protective space formed by the tripod structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If manual height adjustment is used, then the tripod structure is simple, but two operators are required for positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment mechanism simplicityVSAvoidsingle-operator capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment device incorporates an automatic control system with a sensor that detects the target position and autonomously adjusts the tripod height without requiring manual intervention or a second operator. The system serves itself by automatically positioning the tripod plate at the desired height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment system (crank and toothed rack) is replaced with an automated system comprising a motor, drive unit, and sensor-based control. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining the mechanical adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the height adjustment device is surrounded by protective space, then the motor is protected from damage, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tripod head, tripod legs, and tilting joints serve dual functions: they provide the structural support necessary for tripod operation and simultaneously form a protective enclosure for the height adjustment device. This multi-functionality avoids adding separate protective structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 single-operator height adjustment and enhances the tripod's robustness and compactness, reducing the risk of damage to the height adjustment mechanism during transport and use.

Implementation Method 1

an automatic height adjustment device with a drive unit for interacting with the guide device and for overloading protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

tripod legs which are connected to the tripod head via tilting joints

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2400204B1Stand with automatic height adjustment

Publication Date: 2016.04.20 HILTI AG

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AI summary

Tripod (1) for adjusting the height of a device (2) in a height direction (12) comprising a tripod head (3), tripod legs (4) connected to the tripod head (3), a receiving device (9) for receiving the device (2) and a guide device (11) connected to the receiving device (9) and adjustable in the height direction (12), wherein an automatic height adjustment device (13) is provided for adjusting the height of the guide device (11).