Tripod Leg Locking Transmission for Faster Setup and Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripods require time-consuming separate locking and unlocking of each leg, slowing down the positioning process and leveling of the tripod head.
Innovation Solution
A tripod with a connecting element and actuation system that allows simultaneous locking and unlocking of all leg sections through a torque-transmitting mechanism, featuring rotating elements, wheels, and flexible transmission components to synchronize the movement of multiple sections with a single command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If separate locking and unlocking of each leg is used, then the structure is simple, but the time required for positioning and leveling is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking and unlocking operations of all three legs into a single integrated system. The actuation element connected to transmission means simultaneously controls the locking/unlocking means of each leg, allowing all legs to be locked or unlocked with one operation rather than requiring separate operations for each leg.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation element serves multiple functions: it can rotate to simultaneously lock or unlock all legs, and it can also be used for leveling the tripod head by adjusting individual leg lengths. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate controls while maintaining simplicity.
2Productivity
If simultaneous locking and unlocking of all legs is implemented, then positioning speed increases, but the transmission mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission means act as an intermediary mechanism that translates the rotational motion of the actuation element into simultaneous locking/unlocking actions on all three legs. This intermediary system distributes the control force evenly across all legs while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure using wheels and flexible elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission means incorporate dynamic elements such as flexible elements and rotating wheels that adapt to the positioning requirements. The system dynamically transmits force through these elements to achieve simultaneous locking/unlocking, allowing for quick adjustments while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple transmission components are used for simultaneous leg control, then operational efficiency improves, but the device becomes harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission means for each leg are designed with homogeneous structures, using similar wheels and flexible elements repeated across all three legs. This standardization simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing mass production of identical components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the multi-component system.
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 significantly reduces the time required for locking and unlocking the tripod legs and enables faster leveling of the tripod head by allowing simultaneous adjustment of all legs with a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
said actuation element may be able to exert a torque on said transmission means which in turn are adapted to transmit a rotation movement to said locking/unlocking means of each leg
Implementation Method 2
said transmission means may comprise a plurality of wheels adapted at transmitting a rotary motion, in particular friction wheels or toothed wheels
Implementation Method 3
said transmission means may further comprise a flexible element for transmitting the rotary motion between said wheels, in particular said flexible element may a belt or a chain
Implementation Method 4
said locking/unlocking means may comprise a locking element, in particular a wedge-shaped stopper, adapted to exert a friction force on at least one section of a respective leg for blocking the sliding movement between the sections of said leg
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tripod comprising a connecting element, at least three legs coupled to said connecting element, each leg being divided into at least two sections able to slide with respect to each other. Each leg provides locking and unlocking means of the sliding movement between the sections of the respective leg. Said tripod further provides an actuation element of said locking and unlocking means. Said tripod is characterized in that said actuation element is arranged on said connecting element, and in comprising transmission means arranged on the connecting element connected to said actuation element and to said locking/unlocking means of each leg and in that said tripod is configured so that by acting on said actuation element said transmission means act simultaneously on said locking/unlocking means of each leg preventing/allowing the sliding movement between said sections of each leg.