Ball Head Leveling Base and Picatinny Clamp for Secure Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional leveling bases for tripods are cumbersome and difficult to lock/unlock, while traditional clamping devices on Picatinny rails allow firearms to slide if not securely attached, necessitating improved designs for intuitive adjustment and secure attachment.

Innovation Solution

A leveling base with multidirectional adjustment and an adjustable clamping device featuring a rotatable component, inner rod, and pivotable arm for precise orientation control, along with a locking mechanism using a lever and cam system for secure attachment to Picatinny rails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional locking devices are used in leveling bases, then the ball member can be secured in place, but the locking and unlocking operation becomes cumbersome and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by making the locking device movable and the ball member fixed. Instead of securing a movable ball with a fixed clamp, the ball remains stationary while the clamp moves to engage or disengage from the ball, making the operation intuitive and easy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically engage with the ball member. The clamp can slide along the rail and pivot to lock onto the ball, providing smooth and easy locking/unlocking operation while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional clamping devices are used on Picatinny rails, then the firearm can be mounted, but slippage occurs if not sufficiently secured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidclamping mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a spherical ball member that engages with a curved cam surface in the locking device. This spherical geometry provides inherent stability and prevents slippage on the Picatinny rail, as the ball cannot translate without rotating, and the cam mechanism locks it firmly in position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated locking device that simultaneously clamps the ball member, secures it to the rail, and prevents slippage. The cam-activated lever merges locking, clamping, and anti-slip functions into one mechanism, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy and secure locking/unlocking of the leveling base and prevents firearm slippage, providing intuitive adjustment and enhanced stability on tripods and Picatinny rails.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring positioned between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the at least one spring is configured to bias the second wall away from the first wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260110391A1Adjustable Clamping Device and Leveling Base with Multidirectional Adjustment

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 FATBOY TRIPODS LLC

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.