Ball Head Leveling Base With Intuitive Locking and Rail Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional locking devices on leveling bases for tripods are cumbersome and not intuitively positioned for easy locking and unlocking, while traditional adjustable clamping devices on Picatinny rails fail to securely prevent firearms from sliding.
Innovation Solution
A leveling base with multidirectional adjustment and an adjustable clamping device featuring a rotatable arm and inner rod mechanism that allows for precise control over the locking and unlocking of the ball member, combined with a mounting structure on the Picatinny rail that includes a spring-loaded channel and lever system to securely engage firearms or photographic equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking devices are used on leveling bases, then the ball member can be secured in position, but the locking and unlocking operation becomes cumbersome and not intuitively positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by making the locking device movable along the ball member's extension rather than stationary. The locking device can be positioned at different locations including at the distal end of the ball extension, allowing intuitive access and operation. This inversion transforms the cumbersome fixed locking mechanism into a flexible, user-accessible system that maintains secure locking while enabling easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be dynamically positionable along the ball member extension rather than being fixed in one location. This dynamic positioning capability allows the locking device to be moved to optimal locations for both securing the ball member and facilitating easy user operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional adjustable clamping devices are used on Picatinny rail, then the device can be mounted, but the firearm may slide within the clamp if not sufficiently secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical ball member that interfaces with a corresponding spherical recess in the mounting plate. This spherical geometry provides superior contact area and mechanical interlocking compared to traditional flat or linear clamping surfaces. The curved surfaces naturally prevent sliding by distributing contact forces across the spherical interface, thereby enhancing reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard spherical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides both the clamping force to secure the firearm and the positioning mechanism to prevent sliding. By combining the locking and positioning functions in one integrated device that moves along the ball extension, the patent achieves reliable slide prevention without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If the locking device is positioned for secure locking, then the ball member is firmly secured, but the location may not be intuitively accessible for easy locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into movable and stationary components. The locking device itself is movable along the ball member extension, allowing it to be positioned at different locations including at the distal end where it is most accessible to the user. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both secure locking (when engaged) and intuitive accessibility (when positioned at distal end), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
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.