Adjustable Pole Baffle Assembly with Modular Clamping Hooks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing baffles for poles are typically designed for specific diameters and require complex mounting procedures, limiting their versatility and ease of use for various pole sizes.

Innovation Solution

A baffle assembly with a clamping structure featuring laterally spaced mounting hooks and a adjustable mounting strap, allowing the baffle to be easily mounted on poles of different diameters by adjusting the length of the clamping structure and using a bell housing with opposing open ends and a snap ring for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a baffle is designed for a specific pole diameter, then the mounting is simplified for that specific size, but the adaptability to various pole diameters is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various pole diametersVSAvoidclamping structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping structure is divided into multiple modular components: a strap portion, multiple hook portions spaced along the strap, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the baffle to be adapted to different pole diameters by selectively using different numbers of hook portions while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a traditional mounting method is used, then the mounting process is simple for standard poles, but the ease of operation for various pole sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mountingVSAvoidversatility for various pole sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping structure incorporates a dynamic fastening system with multiple hook portions that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This allows the mounting process to remain simple through the fastening mechanism while providing adaptability by enabling users to select appropriate hook configurations for different pole diameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are added to achieve adjustability, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of clamping structureVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap portion serves multiple functions: it provides the structural base for mounting hooks, acts as the clamping element that wraps around the pole, and serves as the mounting surface for the baffle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining adjustability across different pole diameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11044893B2Baffle assembly for pole
Publication Date: 2021.06.29 BINNACLE BRANDS INC
  • US11044893B2 patent drawing
  • US11044893B2 patent drawing
  • US11044893B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A baffle assembly for a pole includes a clamping structure adapted to be positioned about a pole. The clamping structure includes a plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks removably joined along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks extends from a proximal end to a distal end defining a length of the clamping structure. A mounting strap includes a first end attached to the proximal end of the plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks. The mounting strap extends to a second end and includes a fastener formed thereon. Bell housing includes opposing open ends. The bell housing is positioned about the pole and about the clamping structure wherein the bell housing is supported by the mounting hooks. The length of the clamping structure is adjusted by removal of selected mounting hooks of the plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks from the distal end.