Ball Head Self-Aligning Interface for High-Torque Position Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ball head mechanisms used in photographic and rifle applications experience bending and deformation under high pressure due to insufficient torque transfer between the clamp and the ball, leading to performance deterioration and potential device failure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a modified tongue and groove structure with a greater number of teeth, such as at least 4, 6, 8, or 16 teeth, enhances the torque transfer by increasing the shear area and providing a self-aligning interface that resists rotational movement effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball head mechanism is secured with maximum force to prevent slippage under high pressure, then the stability and position retention is improved, but the interface between the ball head and locking device bends and deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented from a single contact point into multiple teeth (at least 4, 6, 8, or 16 teeth) distributed around the circumference. This segmentation distributes the torque and pressure across multiple contact points, preventing bending and deformation of any single interface while maintaining secure position retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a one-dimensional linear contact to a two-dimensional circular array of teeth. This dimensional change increases the shear area and provides multiple load paths, allowing the interface to withstand high torque without bending while maintaining rotational resistance.
2Ease of operation
If the clamp and ball interface is designed for simple engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the torque transfer capability is insufficient leading to bending under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove structure with multiple teeth is designed to be self-aligning, where the geometry of the teeth automatically guides proper engagement without requiring precise manual alignment. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while dramatically increasing torque transfer capability through the distributed tooth interface.
3Power
If the number of teeth in the tongue and groove structure is increased, then the torque transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple teeth are integrated into a single monolithic tongue piece and a corresponding groove structure, rather than being separate components. This merging approach increases torque transfer efficiency through multiple contact points while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple individual tooth elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A head suitable to be supported by a tripod or a monopod includes a rotatable ball contained within a body defining a socket where the rotatable ball includes a shaft extending therefrom suitable to attach to a retainment structure to support a device thereon. A first movable member selectively increases and decreases the ability of the ball to freely rotate. A terminal end of the shaft includes a retainment structure that includes at least four angularly arranged “V” shaped members protruding from the terminal end, where each of the “V” shaped members extends over 90 percent of the distance from a central opening defined by the shaft and an exterior peripheral surface defined by the shaft.