Telescopic Tripod Linkage Locking for One-Step Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic tripods require multiple operations to adjust and lock the support legs at different heights, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic tripod with linkage locking mechanism, featuring three sets of support tubes hinged on a base, with sliding seats and compression members connected by steel cables, allowing simultaneous locking of multiple tubes for convenient height adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple fixed mechanisms are installed between each section to fix the extended support rod, then the support rod can be fixed at different heights, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent fixed mechanisms into a single integrated locking mechanism that simultaneously locks multiple sections. The locking mechanism includes a locking block that engages with grooves on different sections, and a single operating handle that controls the locking action for all sections, thereby reducing the number of operations required while maintaining reliable fixing at different heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can lock the first section to the second section, lock the second section to the third section, and maintain the tripod head in a fixed position. This universal locking mechanism eliminates the need for separate fixed mechanisms for each section, simplifying the operation while ensuring reliable fixing.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tripod support legs are stretched multiple times to reach different heights, then the height adjustment range is increased, but the operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment rangeVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tripod sections are pre-assembled with grooves and locking blocks positioned in advance during manufacturing. These preliminary preparations allow the locking mechanism to quickly engage and secure the sections at desired heights without requiring complex field adjustments, thereby expanding the height adjustment range while minimizing operation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded locking blocks that can quickly engage or disengage from grooves. This dynamic design allows for rapid height adjustment by simply moving the operating handle, enabling the user to achieve different heights in a single quick operation rather than multiple time-consuming adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If three separate fixed mechanisms are used for three support legs, then each leg can be independently fixed, but the overall operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent fixing capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into identical modular units, each comprising a locking block, groove, and actuating component. Each segment corresponds to one support leg but uses the same design pattern. This segmentation allows independent fixing capability for each leg while maintaining uniformity across all segments, reducing the perceived complexity through repetition of a simple, standardized design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 stepless height adjustment and simplified operation by locking multiple tubes simultaneously, enhancing convenience and efficiency in adjusting tripod height.

Implementation Method 1

a first compression member (7) controlled by a locking member (6), the first compression member (7) is in contact with the first support tube (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the first compression member (7) is in contact with the first support tube (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the installation seat (13) is provided with a second compression member (8) connected to the locking member (6) through a first steel cable (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12546437B2Telescopic tripod with linkage locking
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 NINGBO LANGRUI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US12546437B2 patent drawing
  • US12546437B2 patent drawing
  • US12546437B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A telescopic tripod with linkage locking is provided, which includes a support base, and three sets of first support tubes are hinged on the support base along a circumferential direction, wherein a sliding seat is slidably installed on the first support tube, a second support tube is fixedly installed on a lower side of the sliding seat, an installation seat is installed at a lower end of the second support tube, and a third support tube is slidably installed inside the installation seat. The sliding seat is provided with a first compression member controlled by a locking member, the installation seat is provided with a second compression member connected to the locking member through a first steel cable, and the second compression member is in contact with the third support tube. The telescopic tripod can realize a joint locking effect and make the operation more convenient.