[ENG] Celestron Photographic Tripod Fix

Three hubs. 

Issue:

A long time ago, my Father-in-Law gave my partner, who is a photographer, one of his old tripods. The tripod may actually even belonged to my partner's grandfather, so it already showed its age with some fixes here and there.

But at some point, the central hub that connected each of the leg members broke. My partner was debating what to do with the tripod - toss it, return it to their DIY father to devise a fix - until I said, "Wait a minute. Let me take a look"...

Requirement(s):

• Regain function of tripod
• Sturdy
• Elegant

Process:

I tried to take some measurements. Unfortunately, my digital calipers were no longer functioning, even after replacing the batteries. I ended up using a basic ruler which brought some issues down the line. The important dimensions were the central diameter on the shaft and the connection points to the legs.

I recreated the hub with the measurements I had in AutoDesk Inventor Professional 2020. I opted for a split design as I was planning on using the tension band already in the hub and it would give me the flexibility to still fit if my diameter measurement wasn't accurate.

I printed the first prototype on my Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer our of white PLA. Due to the difficulty measuring the central diameter, it was a tough fit and it really stretched the split, but it slid up and down and was able to be assembled to the pre existing supports on the legs. Successfully showing the concept was sound. Video

After showing the printed hub off and consulting with my Father-in-Law, we decided to add an upper lip that would prevent the tension band from sliding off and moving the joints so they would be uniform and not next to the split. I edited my design in CAD and printed the updated version.

After confirming the fit, I bought the necessary hardware to attach it and removed the rivets that attached the other support members to the old broken hub.

Here it is assembled

Possible Improvements:

Although we haven't had any issues, I'll have to keep an eye out on the hub as we travel and use it.

Thanks for reading!