Camera Head Quick-Release Connection for Tripod Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripod head assemblies face difficulties in leveling and securing heavy cameras due to the cumbersome operation of bowl clamps, which require screwing and unscrewing under limited space, leading to inefficiency and potential damage when removing the head from the tripod.
Innovation Solution
A releasable connection system with a stud catch mechanism and adjustment mechanism that allows for frictional engagement and disengagement, enabling easier leveling and secure attachment of the head to the tripod, with a platform assembly for attaching accessories and allowing vertical orientation of the head portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bowl clamp arrangement is used to connect the head to the tripod, then the connection is robust and secure, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to screwing and unscrewing the clamp nut under limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded clamp nut mechanism with a friction-based engagement system. The stud catch mechanism uses a friction surface that engages with the clamp stud through axial movement, eliminating the need for screwing and unscrewing operations. This substitution maintains secure connection while dramatically improving ease of operation, especially in the confined space under the tripod top.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the clamp stud, the stud catch mechanism with movable catch plate, and the friction surface. This segmentation allows the engagement and disengagement functions to be separated from the clamping function, enabling quick release without compromising connection strength during use.
2Reliability
If the clamp nut is tightened to secure the head, then the head is locked in position, but the operator must reach under the tripod top which is awkward and can cause bruised knuckles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clamping function from the nut that must be operated under the tripod top. The clamp nut remains for securing the head, but the engagement/disengagement function is moved to the stud catch mechanism that can be operated from above or at a more accessible location, removing the harmful reaching-under operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp nut is fully unscrewed to remove the head, then the head can be separated from the tripod, but significant time is lost and the head must be laid on its side which can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The stud catch mechanism is designed to be disengaged before complete separation. The catch plate moves axially to release the clamp stud, allowing the head to be quickly detached without requiring full unscrewing of the clamp nut. This preliminary disengagement action significantly reduces removal time and allows the head to be safely handled in its designed orientation.
4Speed
If the stud catch plate is moved axially to engage or disengage the clamp stud, then quick connection and release is achieved, but friction must be carefully controlled to provide secure holding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes friction as a controllable parameter between the stud catch plate and the clamp stud. By designing the friction surface with appropriate coefficients and contact areas, the system achieves reliable holding when engaged while allowing quick disengagement when the catch plate moves axially. The friction parameter is optimized to provide secure connection during normal operation but permit controlled release.
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
Facilitates quicker and more ergonomic leveling and secure attachment of the camera head, reducing operational time and risk of damage, while allowing the head to be placed on a flat surface without toppling.
Implementation Method 1
the stud catch mechanism providing a substantially frictional connection between the stud catch mechanism and the clamp stud when the stud catch mechanism is in the engaged state
Data Source
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AI summary
A releasable connection arrangement, suitable for releasably connecting two items, wherein a base portion comprises a clamp stud and a head portion comprises a stud catch mechanism, and wherein the clamp stud and stud catch mechanism are adapted to be connected to one another when the stud catch mechanism is in an engaged state and to be not connected to one another when the stud catch mechanism is in a disengaged state, the stud catch mechanism providing a substantially frictional connection between the stud catch mechanism and the stud catch when the stud catch mechanism is in the engaged state, the stud catch mechanism comprising a stud catch plate adapted to be moveable axially and a stud release lever adapted to move the stud catch plate axially towards and away from the clamp stud in use, so that the stud catch plate can engage and disengage the clamp stud in use, and wherein the base portion and head portion each further comprise engagement surfaces shaped to correspond with one another, the engagement surface of the base portion comprising a substantially flat region and a concave region and the engagement surface of the head portion comprising a substantially flat region and a convex region, and wherein the head portion further comprises an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the connection between the head portion and the base portion when the base and head portions are connected to one another, and wherein the head portion further comprises a platform assembly located away from the engagement surface, the platform assembly comprising means for attaching to another item.