Collapsible Arced Flagpole Assembly to Reduce Flag Tearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current straight shaft flagpoles experience premature tearing of flags due to constant tension when bent by the flag, leading to material failure.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible flagpole assembly comprising a base shaft, straight shafts, connecting shaft, arc shaft, and tip shaft, connected by a string passing through each, with specific diameter and frictional engagement to maintain assembly, allowing for flexible bending without excessive stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a straight shaft flagpole is used, then the structure is simple and rigid, but the flag experiences constant tension when bent causing premature tearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflag durabilityVSAvoidflagpole structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flagpole is divided into multiple telescoping shaft segments that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the pole to bend flexibly when the flag catches wind, distributing stress along multiple segments rather than creating a single point of failure, thereby preventing flag tearing while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flagpole transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic telescoping structure where shaft segments can move relative to each other. This dynamic capability allows the pole to adapt its shape in response to wind forces, reducing stress concentration and protecting the flag from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the flagpole is made collapsible with multiple shaft segments, then flexibility and durability are improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflagpole durabilityVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple shaft segments are nested within each other in a telescoping arrangement, with each segment capable of sliding into the previous one. This nesting design allows the complex multi-segment structure to be compact when collapsed and easily assembled by simple insertion, reducing the practical complexity despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements such as cords or elastic bands act as intermediaries between shaft segments, maintaining relative positioning while allowing controlled movement. These intermediaries simplify the assembly process by providing automatic alignment and retention forces, reducing the need for complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 assembly reduces flag tearing by distributing tension evenly, enhancing durability and versatility, suitable for various flag shapes and wind resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a string passing through each shaft of the plurality of shafts with a string base end attached to a first cap and a tip end of the string, opposite the base end of the string, attached to a second cap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension distribution: Tension

Implementation Method 2

specific diameter and frictional engagement to maintain assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrictional engagement: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250270839A1Collapsible arced flagpole and kit for the same

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 FLYNN MING LLC

AI summary

This specification describes a curved or arced collapsible flagpole for a feather flag. The collapsible flagpole is assembled from a kit comprising a plurality of straight hollow shafts, hollow arced shafts and a base shaft and tip shaft. Having the flagpole curved and not under tension from the flag is important as it makes the flag last longer.