A tripod uses three legs connected near a common head. This calculator describes an ideal symmetric equal-leg layout and a separate two-point mismatch-angle proxy.
Tripod Splay Geometry Calculator
Enter equal leg length, leg angle from vertical and a separate height difference between two points. Results do not predict loaded stability, tipping or actual platform level.
Equation Used
- Three ideal equal legs meet at one centered apex.
- Feet lie on level ground and are equally spaced by 120 degrees.
- Splay angle is measured from vertical.
- Center-to-edge distance is the equilateral footprint inradius, not a load-dependent tipping margin.
- Mismatch does not alter the ideal footprint and is used only in a two-point angle proxy.
- Loads, center of gravity, foot friction, compliance, joint play, terrain, structural strength and safety are omitted.
Three Splayed Legs
Tripods commonly connect three legs near a central support head. Patent WO 2013/117939 describes at least three splayable support legs with foot and head ends, while CN 201344346 describes adjacent legs spaced 120° apart.
What This Calculator Represents
The calculator constructs an ideal equal-leg tripod on level ground. It reports its equilateral footprint side, vertical apex height and centered footprint inradius. The mismatch input is evaluated separately as a two-point slope angle.
Ideal Symmetric Geometry
base side = sqrt(3) × foot radius
apex height = L cos(theta)
center-to-edge distance = foot radius/2
two-point angle proxy = atan(deltaL/base side)
Worked Geometry Example
For L=1.5 m and theta=22°, foot radius is about 0.562 m, base side 0.973 m, apex height 1.391 m and centered footprint inradius 0.281 m. A separate 5 mm difference over 0.973 m gives a 0.29° two-point angle proxy.
Model Boundary
- Calculated: ideal equal-leg trigonometry and one two-point slope proxy.
- Not calculated: actual unequal-leg closure, platform attitude, center of gravity, applied load, tipping, friction, terrain, joint stiffness, buckling, strength or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is center-to-edge distance a guaranteed stability margin?
No.
Does the mismatch proxy equal head tilt?
No.
Why is the base equilateral?
The ideal feet are spaced 120° apart at equal radius.
Is uneven ground modeled?
No.
Are loads and friction included?
No.
Can this calculator certify a tripod?
No.
References
- WO 2013/117939 A1, Splayable support apparatus: three splayable legs with head and foot ends.
- CN 201344346 Y, Tripod: three legs connected at a central point with adjacent legs at 120°.
- NASA terrain reconstruction report: stability evaluation uses center of gravity and a conservative support polygon.
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