Controlled Motion Hinge for Retrofitting Service Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pole-mounted equipment is difficult to service due to lack of access features, often requiring personnel lifts which are costly, dangerous, and inconvenient, and existing hinged columns are limited to new installations and not suitable for retrofitting or use with extension poles.
Innovation Solution
A controlled motion hinge assembly with a base, pivot arm, and actuator system that allows the upper pole to be manually retracted towards the ground for servicing, enabling safe and convenient access to equipment mounted on the pole without the need for personnel lifts, and can be retrofitted to existing poles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If base-hinged columns are used to allow ground-level servicing, then access to equipment is improved, but the system requires additional equipment and training
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is integrated within the pole structure itself, with the hinge mechanism nested between the lower and upper pole sections. This eliminates the need for external counterbalance equipment or separate actuating systems, as the hinge is self-contained within the pole assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to be operated directly by service personnel without requiring specialized training or additional equipment. The natural hinge action allows personnel to manually lower and raise the upper pole section using simple hand operations on the hinge mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If base-hinged columns are used to allow ground-level servicing, then access to equipment is improved, but protection against misuse by unauthorized users and vandals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly includes a lockable mechanism that can be engaged before service operations. This preliminary locking action prevents unauthorized users from operating the hinge, while allowing authorized personnel to unlock and operate it when needed for legitimate service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing poles are retrofitted with hinged columns, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into separate lower and upper sections connected by the hinge assembly. This segmentation allows the upper pole to be independently mounted and removed, enabling retrofitting of existing poles without compromising the overall structural integrity of the original pole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed with localized mounting features that attach to specific portions of the pole structure. The connection points and mounting brackets are engineered to distribute loads appropriately, maintaining structural integrity at the attachment locations while enabling the hinged functionality.
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 safe and cost-effective servicing of pole-mounted equipment by allowing the upper pole to be manually lowered for maintenance, reducing the need for personnel lifts and allowing installation on existing structures, while providing a large range of motion and secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded body and threaded bore interact such that an application of the drive torque causes the first actuator mount to move along the actuator shaft axis towards and away from the second actuator mount
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled motion hinge assembly having a base with a first actuator mount, a pivot arm with a second actuator mount, a hinge pivotally connecting the base to the pivot arm to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and an actuator shaft. The shaft has a first end, a second end, and a threaded body extending between the first and second ends. The first end is configured to receive a drive torque about the actuator shaft axis. The second end is rotatably connected to the second actuator mount, but fixed thereto along the actuator shaft axis. The threaded body engages a threaded bore of the first actuator mount such that rotation of the body causes the first actuator mount to move along the actuator shaft axis. Also provided is a pole assembly, and a method for retrofitting a pole, with a controlled motion hinge.