Tripod Mount Lock Structure to Prevent Accidental Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripod mounts with falling-off prevention mechanisms can inadvertently release when carrying a lens barrel, leading to potential detachment of the ring member from the base portion.
Innovation Solution
A tripod mount design featuring a main body with a slit portion, a first operation member (tripod mount lock knob) for fixing the mount to a base member by deforming the main body, and a second operation member (temporary lock release button) for temporary fixation, ensuring the falling-off prevention mechanism is not accidentally released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock plate with projection portion is used to prevent the lens barrel from coming off, then the falling-off prevention function is improved, but the mechanism can be inadvertently released when carrying the lens barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The operation members are segmented into two distinct components: a first operation member (lock release button) for releasing the lock plate, and a second operation member (temporary lock button) for temporary fixation. This segmentation allows independent control of lock release and temporary locking functions, preventing accidental unintended operations while maintaining reliable falling-off prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock plate is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be locked in position and also temporarily locked when the second operation member is operated. The lock plate can transition between locked state, unlocked state, and temporarily locked state, providing flexible control over the falling-off prevention mechanism.
2Reliability
If the first operation member and second operation member are disposed to advance and retract in a direction intersecting the slit portion, then accidental release is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation members are arranged asymmetrically relative to the slit portion, with their advancement and retraction directions intersecting the slit portion rather than being parallel to it. This asymmetric arrangement creates a geometric constraint that prevents simultaneous or accidental operation of both buttons, thereby preventing accidental release while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If a detachable tripod mount is used to maintain mobility, then the mass increase problem is solved, but the falling-off prevention mechanism may be inadvertently released
Solution Approach 1:
The lock plate is designed to automatically engage with the lens barrel when the tripod mount is attached, providing preliminary falling-off prevention without requiring additional operation. The operation members are positioned and configured to ensure that the locking action occurs automatically upon attachment, preventing inadvertent release before the user has a chance to operate the controls.
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
The design effectively prevents accidental release of the falling-off prevention mechanism during hand-held carrying of the lens barrel, ensuring secure attachment and reducing the risk of the ring member falling off.
Implementation Method 1
a first operation member screwed to the main body portion and capable of fixing the tripod mount to the base member by deforming the main body portion so as to change a width of the slit portion
Implementation Method 2
a second operation member fitted to the main body portion and capable of temporarily fixing the tripod mount to the base member
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod mount attachable to and detachable from a tripod mount base fixable to a lens barrel, the tripod mount comprising: a tripod mount main body that abuts on a tripod mount base and has a slit, a tripod mount lock knob screwed to the tripod mount main body and capable of fixing the tripod mount to the tripod mount base by deforming the tripod mount main body so as to change a width of the slit, and a tripod mount temporary lock release button fitted to the tripod mount main body and capable of temporarily fixing the tripod mount to the tripod mount base, wherein the tripod mount lock knob and the tripod mount temporary lock release button are disposed so as to advance and retract in a direction intersecting the slit.