Tripod Head Locking Structure With Adjustable Cam Locking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tripod head locking structures are complicated to operate, lack adjustability, and provide insufficient firmness after locking, necessitating improvements for enhanced stability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure for a tripod head utilizing a plate buckle for convenient operation, adjustable locking force, and a unique extrusion mechanism involving a cambered surface contact between ball seats and an eccentric operating piece for smooth adjustment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screws or pliers are used for locking, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation becomes complicated and the adjustability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex traditional mechanisms and implements it through a simplified plate buckle structure that directly pushes the ball seat against the cambered surface, eliminating the need for screws or pliers while maintaining effective locking
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded fasteners that require rotational motion and multiple turns, the patent inverts the approach by using a direct linear push mechanism where the plate buckle moves perpendicular to the locking surface, achieving locking through simple linear displacement rather than complex rotational engagement
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the structure is established, but the firmness after locking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cambered surface with a specific curved profile that provides increasing mechanical advantage as the ball seat is pushed into the locked position. The curved geometry ensures that the further the plate buckle travels, the greater the locking force generated, thereby achieving both firm locking and adjustable control through the same mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cambered surface to optimize the locking characteristics. By carefully designing the curvature radius and profile of the cambered surface, the system achieves variable mechanical advantage that provides sufficient locking force while maintaining ease of operation and adjustability throughout the locking range
3Ease of operation
If the locking structure is simplified for ease of operation, then the operation becomes convenient, but the adjustability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic locking system where the mechanical advantage varies continuously as the plate buckle moves along the cambered surface. This dynamic characteristic allows the user to easily operate the buckle while simultaneously providing adjustable locking force that increases with the distance of travel, combining simplicity with adaptability in a single mechanism
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 easy and labor-saving operation with adjustable locking force, resulting in a simple and stable structure that ensures secure positioning of equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A cambered surface structure of a supporting ball seat is placed in the gap. The supporting ball seat and the lower ball seat, and the supporting ball seat and the upper ball seat are in contact through cambered surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
The abutting block and the top block are abutted through an inclined plane. When the top block moves due to the extrusion force of the adjusting block, the lower ball seat can be pushed to move up.
Implementation Method 3
The inner side of the top block is provided with an elastic part for resetting. The elastic part can be a spring, abuts against the mounting seat, and is used for resetting the top block after force release.
Implementation Method 4
The operating piece is a plate buckle. An inner end of the plate buckle is rotatably arranged on the base through a rotating shaft and is of an eccentric structure. The extrusion force can be exerted on the adjusting block through rotation.
Implementation Method 5
The supporting ball seat is arranged between the upper ball seat and the lower ball seat in arc contact, so the supporting ball seat can freely rotate within a certain angle... When locking is needed, the adjusting block is extruded by the operating piece, and the bump is extruded by the adjusting block so that the top block moves horizontally. During the movement of the top block, the abutting block moves up through the inclined plane, and then the lower ball seat moves up, so that extrusion on the supporting ball seat is realized, the locking function is realized
Data Source
AI summary
A locking structure for a tripod head is provided. The locking structure for a tripod head includes a base. The base is provided with a lower ball seat and an upper ball seat. A gap is formed between the lower ball seat and the upper ball seat. A cambered surface structure of a supporting ball seat is placed in the gap. The supporting ball seat and the lower ball seat, and the supporting ball seat and the upper ball seat are in contact through cambered surfaces. The base is provided with an adjusting block and a top block. The side of the top block is provided with a protruding bump, and the adjusting block is arranged on the outer side of the bump and abuts against the bump. The outer side of the adjusting block is provided with an operating piece, and the operating piece is used for exerting extrusion force on the adjusting block. The top block is located at the lower part of the lower ball seat. The bottom of the lower ball seat is provided with a downward protruding abutting block. The abutting block and the top block are abutted through an inclined plane. When the top block moves due to the extrusion force of the adjusting block, the lower ball seat can be pushed to move up. The operation of locking the tripod head can be carried out through a plate buckle, and the locking force can be adjusted, so that the operation is convenient, and the structure is simple.