Ball Head Leveling Base Locking and Picatinny Rail Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional locking devices on leveling bases for tripods are cumbersome and difficult to use, making it hard to easily lock and unlock the ball member, and traditional adjustable clamping devices for Picatinny rails do not securely prevent firearms from sliding within the clamp.
Innovation Solution
A leveling base with multidirectional adjustment and an adjustable clamping device that includes a rotatable component, a hollow elongated member, an inner rod, and a rotatable arm to enable precise adjustment and locking of the leveling base, and a mounting structure with a spring-loaded mechanism and a cam-activated lever to securely clamp equipment to a Picatinny rail.
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 place, but the locking and unlocking operation becomes cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by making the locking device movable and the ball member fixed. The locking device can be easily moved to different positions (locked, unlocked, intermediate) while the ball member remains stationary in the housing, reversing the conventional approach and enabling easier operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be movable along the arcuate path rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment between locked, unlocked, and intermediate positions. This dynamic capability enables the user to easily transition between states while maintaining reliable securing when locked
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional adjustable clamping devices are used for Picatinny rails, then the device can be mounted, but the firearm is not securely prevented from sliding within the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device uses a spherical ball member that fits into a corresponding spherical recess in the Picatinny rail. This curved, spherical interface provides superior contact and friction compared to flat surfaces, preventing the firearm from sliding while maintaining ease of mounting through the ball-and-socket style connection
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism applies preliminary clamping force to the firearm before the user even engages the locking lever. This pre-loading ensures that the firearm is held securely in position from the moment of engagement, preventing any sliding movement
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
The solution provides a more intuitive and efficient way to adjust and lock the leveling base, preventing unwanted movement, and securely clamps firearms to the Picatinny rail, preventing sliding issues.
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
Implementation Method 2
a lever coupled to the second end of the elongated rod, wherein the lever includes a cam portion that rotates about a pivot axis to contact the second wall as the lever is moved between an unlocked position and a locked position
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.