Tripod Top Bracket With Spherical Leveling Support Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripods with top brackets often require complex structures and specialized tools for leveling, limiting their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A universal tripod top bracket design that allows for the insertion and fixation of both standard top plates with cylindrical sides and leveling supports with spherical sides, enabling simple and fast leveling without the need for complex systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spherical leveling support is inserted into a cylindrical opening, then leveling is enabled, but the support cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by utilizing the elastic deformability of the bracket material to facilitate easy removal. During insertion, the opening is dynamically flattened to allow the spherical support to pass through. During removal, the process is reversed: the user applies force to the inserted support, causing the flexible bracket material to dynamically return to its original circular shape, thereby releasing the support. This dynamic shape change eliminates the need for complex release mechanisms and makes removal as easy as insertion.
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 design facilitates easy insertion and removal of both standard top plates and leveling supports, providing versatile leveling capabilities without the need for expensive or complex leveling systems, thus enhancing user convenience and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
to allow the gap open under the effect of the flexibility of the material of the top bracket
Data Source
Figure 1~5
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Figure 9~12
AI summary
A top bracket (10) for tripods provided with a center opening (22) and comprises respective leg supports (12, 13, 14), the opening (22) has a cylindrical upper section (27), and further comprises an adjustable fastening means that fixes the position of said top plate (30) when being inserted and allows removal of the top plate (30) when loosened, wherein a spherical cavity (29) is provided in the opening (22) starting under the cylindrical upper section (27) which has a height much smaller than the height of the cylindrical cavity (29) under it, and the diameter of the spherical cavity (29) increases under the cylindrical upper section (27) until at a central height region of the body (11) it takes the highest equatorial diameter (D) and narrows down in downward direction, and the opening (22) is designed to receive either the cylindrical top plate (30) with a cylindrical side surface at its upper part (31) or to receive a leveling support (40) that has a spherical side (43) that fits in the spherical cavity (29), and the top bracket (10) comprises a mechanism that allows insertion and removal of the leveling support (40) in the opening (22).