Tripod Ball Mount Leveling With Modular Telescoping Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripods for supporting cameras, surveyor transits, or firearms are cumbersome to level due to the need to adjust their legs independently, lack adjustable leg segments for weight optimization, and do not provide a stable cradle for additional support.
Innovation Solution
A tripod combining a ball mount base with a tilt/pan head, featuring a ball stud and spherical chamber for independent leveling, telescoping legs with identical friction locks for adjustable length, and a Vee-shaped cradle for additional support, allowing for versatile orientation and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tilt/pan head is used with traditional tripod legs, then smooth panning movement can be achieved, but the tripod becomes cumbersome to level because the legs must be independently adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The tripod head is separated into two independent functional components: a ball mount base for leveling and a tilt/pan head for orientation. This segmentation allows the base to be leveled independently using a bubble level without requiring leg adjustments, while the head handles directional orientation separately.
Solution Approach 2:
A ball mount base acts as an intermediary between the tripod legs and the tilt/pan head. This intermediate component provides a spherical interface that allows the head to be oriented in any direction while the base handles the leveling function, decoupling these two functions from the leg structure.
2Weight of moving object
If telescoping leg sections are made removable, then weight can be reduced for portability, but the open holes allow dirt entry and damage to leg ends
Solution Approach 1:
The leg sections are designed with dynamic adjustability - they can be locked in telescoped positions for protection or separated for weight reduction. The friction lock mechanism allows the legs to maintain their position while enabling easy assembly and disassembly of sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates the need for both protection and weight reduction by creating a modular leg system that can adapt to different usage scenarios. End caps are provided to protect leg ends when sections are connected, preventing damage before it occurs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If identical friction lock threads are used on all telescoping leg segments, then any number of sections can be removed with universal end caps, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
All telescoping leg segments are designed with identical external threads that match universal end caps and friction locks. This universal interface allows any combination of leg sections to be assembled and disassembled using the same components, maximizing configuration flexibility.
4Productivity
If a ball mount base is added to enable independent leveling, then leveling speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball mount base merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides a spherical interface for the tilt/pan head, incorporates a bubble level for leveling, and includes a clamp mechanism for securing the head. This integration reduces the need for separate leveling and orientation mechanisms.
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 quick leveling and orientation of the tripod head without adjusting the legs, allows for customizable leg length to reduce weight, and provides a stable cradle for supporting firearms or other items.
Implementation Method 1
The tripod has telescoping legs each with a friction lock
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod combines a ball mount base with a tilt/pan head includes a ball stud that is attached to the center column of the tripod. A lockable ball mount is attached to the ball stud and a tilt/pan head is attached to the ball mount. The tilt/pan head thus can be leveled using the ball mount irrespective of the orientation of the tripod itself. The tripod may also have telescoping legs each with a friction lock. The friction locks have identical threads notwithstanding that each successive telescoping leg segment is smaller in diameter than the previous. A universal end cap can be attached to any one of the leg segments. Telescoping arms attached to the legs form a V-shaped cradle to support an item attached to the tripod head.