Tripod Appliance Resilient Leg Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tripods face challenges in maintaining stable positions without permanent deformation, as existing locking mechanisms can lead to leg misalignment and potential damage during frequent position changes between storage and standing modes.
Innovation Solution
The tripod design employs a resilient engineering grade plastic resin with specific clip and hub contours that utilize interference and spring-like action to securely lock legs in either position, preventing permanent distortion by allowing rotational displacement within elastic limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms (screws, pins) are used to secure legs in position, then the legs can be held stable in storage or standing positions, but the mechanisms can lead to leg misalignment and potential damage during frequent position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical locking mechanisms (screws, knobs, pins) with a resilient material-based locking system. The leg itself is made of resilient material that deforms elastically to engage with the support structure, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing mechanical complexity that causes misalignment and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the leg from rigid to resilient. By using resilient material with specific elastic properties, the leg can dynamically adjust its rigidity - being flexible during position transitions and rigid when locked, thereby preventing damage while maintaining stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid legs are used for stable support, then the standing position is stable, but the legs cannot easily transition between positions without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the leg dynamically adaptable by using resilient material that changes its mechanical behavior based on operational state. During position transitions, the leg remains flexible and compliant; when locked in position, it becomes rigid and stable. This dynamic property allows easy operation while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the leg from constant (rigid) to variable (resilient). The resilient material allows the leg to exhibit different stiffness levels during different phases of operation - flexible during movement and rigid when positioned, resolving the contradiction between ease of transition and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent position changes are made between storage and standing modes, then the device is versatile and adaptable, but permanent deformation occurs in conventional designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material property parameter from rigid to resilient, enabling the leg to undergo repeated elastic deformations without permanent damage. The resilient material's elastic limit allows frequent position changes while maintaining structural integrity, supporting versatile operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and dissipates stresses during position transitions before they can cause permanent deformation. This beforehand cushioning effect protects the structural integrity during frequent adaptability changes.
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
This design ensures that tripod legs can be easily and securely transition between storage and standing positions without causing permanent deformation, maintaining functionality and stability throughout the device's operational life.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient engineering grade plastic resin with specific clip and hub contours that utilize interference and spring-like action to securely lock legs in either position, preventing permanent distortion by allowing rotational displacement within elastic limits
Implementation Method 2
specific clip and hub contours that utilize interference and spring-like action to securely lock legs in either position
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod appliance has a device comprising a support with three hubs and three legs rotationally attached to the hubs permitting the legs to be rotated from a standing position to a storage position. Each hub has a support contour and each leg has a clip and a clip contour, each clip defining a standing position and a storage position. First and second rotations about the hub effect changes between standing and storage positions. Rotation from standing to storage positions is deterred by an interference of the clip contour interfering with the support contour. Each leg is configured so that a force applied to the leg at a distance from the hub overcomes the interference, thereby effecting rotational displacement.