Adjustable Utility Pole Step for Secure Fit on Round Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility pole steps lack adjustability and stability, particularly when mounted on round or multi-sided utility poles, leading to potential disengagement and inadequate foot support during climbing.
Innovation Solution
A pole step assembly featuring an adjustable L-bolt and step body configuration, allowing for secure attachment to utility poles with adjustable distance and enhanced foot support through symmetrical design and ribbed surfaces, ensuring stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pole step design is used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks adaptability to different pole shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The pole step incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the step position and angle to be modified according to different pole diameters and shapes. The step body can be repositioned along the pole surface, and the support arms can be adjusted to match various pole geometries, transforming a static design into a dynamic, adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for changing key geometric parameters including the distance between support arms, the angle of support arms relative to the pole surface, and the position of the step body along the pole. These parameter adjustments enable the same basic structure to fit different pole types without requiring multiple specialized designs.
2Reliability
If a non-adjustable pole step is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it provides inadequate foot support and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism enables the pole step to adapt its geometry to optimize foot support and stability for different climbing scenarios. The support arms can be positioned to provide optimal leverage and distribution of climber weight, while the step body can be angled to match natural foot placement, significantly improving reliability compared to fixed designs.
3Reliability
If a rigid pole step design is used, then the structure is simple, but it may disengage from round or multi-sided poles
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates adjustable support arms that can be positioned and angled to conform to different pole shapes including round and multi-sided configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the rigid step body to remain securely attached by distributing contact forces optimally across the pole surface, preventing disengagement that would occur with fixed rigid designs.
4Ease of operation
If a one-size-fits-all pole step is used, then the device complexity is low, but it does not provide optimal fit for different pole dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The pole step allows operators to adjust critical parameters such as the spacing between support arms, the angle of attachment points, and the position of the step body along the pole. These parameter changes enable optimal fit and comfort for different pole dimensions, transforming a generic design into a customized solution while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A pole step can include an L-bolt with a first portion extending along a first axis and a second portion extending along a second axis, the second axis substantially perpendicular from the first axis, the first portion comprising a raised key. The pole step can further include a step body comprising a first end wall, a second end wall, a step wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, and a passage. The passage can be configured to receive the L-bolt. The step body and L-bolt can be adjustable relative to one another to vary a distance between the first end wall of the step body and the second portion of the L-bolt.