Tabletop Camera Tripod

The purpose of this design is to facilitate distance learning by opening up options for camera placement. Distance learning is commonly done via videoconferencing, and not all learners have the convenience of a laptop with a webcam built in. For this problem, I offer a portable tripod that can be used to mount a detached camera; whether it be a webcam, a DSLR, or a smartphone in a holder, almost any camera system that mounts to a standard 1/4in.-20 bolt can be attached to this tripod. The tripod and camera can then be setup on a table to facilitate videoconferencing, with a level picture, close to eye level.

These were the issues I had in designing the tripod. The biggest of which was learning how to design in SolidWorks in order to develop a printable STL file. My background is in AutoCAD. So the greatest challenge was the learning curve of the software. I also had to consider size, strength, and printability. Too small would mean it can’t support much weight, too large would be ha