Flat Aluminum Base Plate with Titanium Studs for Tool-Free Camera Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Professional cameras with telescopic lenses tend to tip over due to uneven weight distribution, and existing tripod solutions are bulky, heavy, and require tools for assembly or attachment, lacking a stable, secure, and tool-free support base that can level on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A flat, compact, lightweight aluminum base plate with permanently attached titanium or non-ferrous threaded studs, featuring leveling and securing holes for tool-free attachment and adjustment, allowing secure mounting on various surfaces without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard tripod is used to support a heavy camera with telescopic lens, then the camera can be supported, but the tripod becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential support function from the entire tripod system, creating a separate base plate that can be attached to the camera mount. This base plate provides the necessary stability and weight distribution without requiring the full tripod structure, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into modular components: a base plate with leveling feet that attaches to the camera mount, which then connects to the tripod. This segmentation allows the base plate to be used independently or with the tripod, providing flexibility and reducing the need for a always-present bulky tripod structure.
2Reliability
If a standard tripod is used to support a heavy camera with telescopic lens, then the camera can be supported, but the tripod becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential support function from the entire tripod system, creating a separate base plate that can be attached to the camera mount. This base plate provides the necessary stability and weight distribution without requiring the full tripod structure, thereby reducing overall volume while maintaining support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into modular components: a base plate with leveling feet that attaches to the camera mount, which then connects to the tripod. This segmentation allows the base plate to be used independently or with the tripod, providing flexibility and reducing the need for a always-present bulky tripod structure.
3Reliability
If traditional camera mount attachment methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but tools are required for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic quick-release mechanism with spring-loaded lugs that can be easily actuated by hand. The spring pressure provides secure attachment during normal use, while a simple release action allows for tool-free detachment, combining security with ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release mechanism is designed to be operated without tools by the user themselves. The spring-loaded lugs and release buttons enable the user to attach and detach the camera mount quickly and securely through simple manual actions, eliminating the need for external tools.
4Reliability
If a support base is designed for heavy cameras, then stability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate utilizes composite construction combining aluminum alloy for the main body with titanium or stainless steel for the threaded studs and leveling feet. This composite material approach provides the necessary strength and stability for supporting heavy cameras while keeping the overall weight minimal for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate applies local quality by using heavier, stronger materials (titanium/stainless steel) only where needed for structural integrity (threaded studs, leveling feet) while keeping the main plate body lighter (aluminum alloy). This localized material distribution optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio.
Data Source
AI summary
An essentially flat support base plate for mounting a piece of photographic equipment such as a photographic tripod head (camera mount) or camera. A preferred embodiment includes an aluminum base plate assembly formed with at least one threaded stud which is sized to fit into corresponding holes in selected pieces of photographic equipment. The stud is made of a non-ferrous material, such as titanium, to enable the plate and stud to be black anodized. The threaded stud is preferably welded in place to ensure that the stud is firmly and permanently attached to the base plate and cannot rotate independently of the plate. A base plate so formed has an elegant and aesthetically pleasing appearance and the base plate can be attached to or detached from any selected piece of equipment plate without the use of any tools (i.e., to make it tool free).