Tripod Mounting Head Pivot Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tripod heads require locking mechanisms to maintain the position of optical devices, which can lead to shifting and loss of the target when unlocked, and the locking process can be time-consuming, potentially causing missed photo opportunities or losing sight of objects of interest.
Innovation Solution
A tripod head design that uses pivot assemblies with linear adjustment mechanisms, such as jackscrews or worm gears, allowing for independent pivotal movement about two axes without the need for locking mechanisms, ensuring the optical device remains in position without slipping, and providing precise adjustment and position indicators for easy reorientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to maintain the position of the optical device, then the device remains stable in position, but the locking process is time-consuming and may cause missed opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking mechanism entirely from the tripod head design. Instead of using locks to maintain position, the system relies on the inherent friction and precision of the pivot assemblies with linear adjustment mechanisms (jackscrews or worm gears) to hold the optical device steady without requiring any locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assemblies are designed to self-maintain position through their mechanical design. The linear adjustment mechanisms create sufficient friction and mechanical advantage to hold the platform in place automatically after adjustment, without requiring external locking components or actions by the user.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to prevent shifting, then the device remains stable, but the act of locking can cause the device to shift out of the desired position
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the locking mechanism, the patent removes the source of the problem where locking actions cause positional shifts. The system achieves position stability through the precision mechanical design of the pivot assemblies themselves, which allow for smooth, controlled adjustment without the sudden forces introduced by locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If friction washers are used to enable movement without locking, then the device can be repositioned easily, but imbalanced optical devices cause creep from the set position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple friction washer system with a more sophisticated linear adjustment mechanism (jackscrew or worm gear). These mechanisms provide controlled friction that can be precisely regulated, allowing the system to accommodate both balanced and imbalanced optical devices while maintaining position stability. The mechanical advantage of these mechanisms allows for easy repositioning through small, controlled adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear adjustment mechanisms allow for dynamic adjustment of the friction parameter. By design, these mechanisms can provide sufficient friction to prevent creep from imbalanced devices while still allowing intentional repositioning when the user operates the adjustment mechanism. The system adapts to different loading conditions (balanced or imbalanced devices) through its mechanical design.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to hold the tripod head, then the position is maintained, but time and effort are required to lock and unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the locking mechanism entirely, removing the additional steps of locking and unlocking from the operation sequence. The tripod head is adjusted and maintained through the pivot assemblies alone, which require only simple rotational or linear movements to reposition and naturally maintain position without any locking action.
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 precise and stable positioning of optical devices without the need for locks, preventing accidental shifts and allowing for quick reorientation to maintain the target, thus enhancing the ability to capture images or observe objects without missing opportunities.
Implementation Method 1
Once such example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,452 to Korling, which discloses a camera mount that is independently or simultaneously pivotable about three axes. Pivot assemblies with plastic friction washers enable the camera to be moved from one position to another, yet it will stay in the second position without needs of a locking means.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting head includes a first pivot assembly and a second pivot assembly. The first pivot assembly may be configured to pivot a platform of the mounting head about a first axis, and the second pivot assembly may be configured to pivot the platform about a second axis. A pivot assembly may comprise a threaded shaft having an attachment element configured to move linearly along the axial length of the threaded shaft as the threaded shaft is rotated. The linear movement of the attachment element may drive pivotal movement of the platform. The mounting head may further include position indicators, configured for indicating, in linear coordinates, the position of the platform. Methods of using and adjusting a mounting head are disclosed.