Double-pin locking telescoping handle mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping handles with twisting mechanisms are prone to jamming, require significant user effort, and are susceptible to slippage or accidental disengagement due to torsional forces, making them difficult to use and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism using two arc-rings with integral structural pins that can be easily engaged and disengaged by pushing buttons, providing a shear force-based lock that resists axial forces and is resistant to torsional disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a twisting mechanism is used to lock the telescoping handle, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the reliability worsens due to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional twisting cam mechanism with a push-button actuated ball bearing system. The ball bearing engages with recesses in the inner tube to provide locking strength, while the push-button mechanism allows for easy one-handed operation without requiring twisting motions. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining strong locking through the ball bearing's mechanical engagement while dramatically improving ease of operation through the simple push-button interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded ball bearing that automatically engages with the recesses when the tubes are positioned at the desired length. The user simply needs to press the button to disengage or engage the lock, and the spring automatically positions the ball bearing. This self-service characteristic improves ease of operation by eliminating complex manual manipulation while maintaining reliable locking through automatic engagement.
2Strength
If a twisting mechanism is used to lock the telescoping handle, then the locking strength is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to jamming from debris and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex twisting cam mechanism with a simpler ball bearing and recess system. The ball bearing's spherical geometry and the matching recesses create a robust locking interface that is less susceptible to jamming from debris. The spring-loaded design ensures consistent engagement force, and the push-button actuation allows for easy clearing of any obstructions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining locking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the ball bearing for locking engagement, the spring for providing engagement force, the button for actuation, and the recesses for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy maintenance or replacement if debris causes issues, thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining the necessary locking strength.
3Strength
If a complex locking mechanism with disconnected ball bearing is used, then the locking strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ball bearing, spring, button, and housing into a integrated locking assembly that is manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module. The ball bearing is positioned within the housing with the spring pre-loaded, and the button is integrated into the housing structure. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate components and simplifies assembly, while the ball bearing still provides the necessary locking strength through its engagement with the recesses.
4Strength
If an internal leaf spring with detent is used, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to press and hold buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the leaf spring with detent mechanism with a compression spring and ball bearing system actuated by a push-button. The compression spring provides the necessary force to engage the ball bearing with the recesses, and the button simply needs to be pressed momentarily to disengage or engage the lock. This substitution improves ease of operation by eliminating the need to continuously press and hold buttons, as the spring automatically maintains engagement once the button is released.
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 mechanism allows for easy adjustment of telescoping handle length without twisting, provides strong locking against axial forces, and is cost-effective to produce, reducing the risk of accidental disengagement and user effort.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be used to bias the two arc-rings so that the projecting pin engages with the inner rod
Implementation Method 2
providing a shear force-based lock that resists axial forces
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping handle includes an outer tubular rod, an inner rod and a lock. The lock is made of a collar; two arc-rings, two retaining covers, and two buttons. The collar slides over the outer tubular rod and the inner rod slides into the other end. A recess in the collar holds two arc-rings that define an inwardly projecting pin sized to pass through the collar and into a hole on the inner rod. Two buttons passing through covers to the recesses enables contact with the two arc-rings causing each projecting pin to withdraw from the inner rod when pushed. When released, each button disengages from the two-arc rings causing the projecting pin to slide into a hole in the inner rod to prevent movement of the inner rod. A spring may be used to bias the two arc-rings into engagement with the inner rod.