Ball Head Leveling Base With Cam Lever Lock and Rail Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional leveling bases for tripods are cumbersome and difficult to lock/unlock, and traditional clamping devices for Picatinny rails on firearms allow for slippage if not securely fastened.
Innovation Solution
A leveling base with multidirectional adjustment and an adjustable clamping device that includes a rotatable component and a locking mechanism with a cam-activated lever for easy locking and unlocking, and a protrusion to prevent slippage on Picatinny rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking device is used in a leveling base, then the ball member can be secured in place, but the locking and unlocking operation becomes cumbersome and difficult to perform intuitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by making the locking action intuitive and easy to perform. The lever is positioned and oriented such that natural hand motion easily engages the locking cam with the lever, transforming a previously cumbersome operation into an intuitive one while maintaining secure locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lever as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the locking cam. This lever provides mechanical advantage and ergonomic positioning, allowing easy engagement and disengagement of the locking mechanism while ensuring reliable ball member securing
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional clamping device is used on a Picatinny rail, then the device can be attached to the rail, but the firearm may slide within the clamp if not sufficiently secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or contoured clamping surface that conforms to the Picatinny rail geometry. This curved interface increases contact area and friction between the clamp and rail, preventing firearm slippage while maintaining a simple overall device structure that is easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the friction parameters at the clamp-rail interface through surface texture, material selection, or geometric profiling. These parameter changes enhance the gripping capability of the simple clamping device, ensuring reliable attachment security without complicating the manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a ball head based leveling base for use with an adjustable clamping device that works in conjunction with commonly available accessory rails for photographic equipment and/or firearms.