Tripod Connecting-Plate Support Mechanism for Stable Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripods face issues with poor stability of support legs after deployment and significant space occupation after collapse, particularly due to the lack of a strip-shaped connecting plate structure and eccentric folding design in their leg braces.
Innovation Solution
A connecting-plate-type support mechanism featuring a strip-shaped connecting plate that nests between outer leg tubes when collapsed, with a single-side eccentric spiral deployment and collapse mechanism, enhanced by a triangular prism center column and locking mechanisms to improve stability and reduce space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional leg-bracing mechanisms are used, then stability is improved, but space occupation after collapse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg brace is designed to nest within the gap between adjacent outer leg tubes when collapsed, creating a compact configuration that minimizes space occupation while maintaining structural integrity and stability when deployed
2Volume of moving object
If strip-shaped connecting plate structure is used, then space occupation after collapse is reduced, but stability during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting plate employs an eccentric deployment and collapse mechanism where the rotation axis is offset from the center, enabling the plate to achieve a compact nested position when collapsed while maintaining adequate structural strength and stability when deployed in the spread configuration
3Volume of moving object
If eccentric deployment mechanism is used, then space occupation after collapse is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric deployment mechanism integrates the connecting plate's rotation and the leg brace's folding motion into a single coordinated movement, where the offset rotation axis naturally guides the plate through deployment and collapse paths that achieve compact nesting without requiring separate control mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
A connecting-plate-type support mechanism of a tripod, including a connecting component, three support leg assemblies and a center column. An outer circumference of the center column is provided with at least one raised rib or groove. An inner side of each support leg assembly is provided with a leg brace. An end of an outer leg tube of each support leg assembly is provided with a locking wrench socket. A side of the locking wrench socket is provided with a protrusion, on which an external articulation base is provided. One end of the leg brace is fixed on an inner side of the outer leg tube through the external articulation base. An outer circumference of a connecting sleeve is provided with an inner articulation base corresponding to the protrusion. The other end of the leg brace is articulated with a side of the inner articulation base.