Optical Adapter Stud Assembly for Torque-Isolated Tripod Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical devices such as telescopes and binoculars become blurry when hand-held due to user movement, necessitating a stable support like a tripod for clear viewing.
Innovation Solution
An adapter stud system comprising a stud, washer, and fastener that secures the optical device to a support by compressing the device adapter housing between the washer and stud flange, preventing rotation of the washer relative to the stud through clocking surfaces, ensuring a secure and stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple fastening method is used to attach the optical device to a support, then the installation process is quick and easy, but the connection stability and torque resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into multiple functional components: an adapter stud with threaded portion for attachment, a washer with aperture for positioning, and a fastener for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both ease of installation and reliable connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter housing serves as an intermediary component between the optical device and the support structure. It provides a standardized interface that facilitates easy attachment while distributing mechanical loads, thereby achieving both operational ease and connection reliability through the mediating structure.
2Ease of operation
If the washer is allowed to rotate relative to the adapter housing during tightening, then the fastening process is simpler, but torque forces are transmitted to the device housing causing potential damage or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The washer incorporates an asymmetric clocking surface with a non-circular profile that matches a corresponding feature on the adapter housing. This asymmetric design prevents rotational movement during tightening, directing all torque forces into the fastener thread rather than transmitting them to the device housing, thus eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clocking surface on the washer provides preliminary anti-rotation action before the fastening process begins. By pre-preventing rotational movement through the geometric constraint of the clocking surfaces, the system ensures that torque forces are isolated to the fastener, protecting the device housing from damage or misalignment during installation.
3Strength
If a threaded portion is added to the adapter stud, then the fastener can be securely attached, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter stud is designed with a universal threaded portion that serves multiple functions: providing secure attachment for the fastener, enabling adjustable positioning, and ensuring strong mechanical connection. This multi-functional threaded design achieves strong fastener attachment while maintaining relatively simple overall structure by combining multiple benefits into a single component feature.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter stud system for an optical device can include an adapter stud, a washer, and a fastener. The adapter stud can include a first end, a second end, a stud flange disposed at the second end, and a threaded portion disposed between the stud flange and the first end. The washer can comprise an aperture configured to receive the adapter stud. The aperture can be offset such that a centerline of the aperture is offset from a centerline of the washer. The fastener can be configured to threadingly couple to the threaded portion of the adapter stud. The fastener can be rotated to a tightened position to compress a portion of an optical device adapter housing between the washer and the stud flange to secure the adapter stud system to the optical device.