Dual-Axis Ball Joint Pole Mounting Device for Flag and Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flag holders for water skiing are either rigid, limiting their placement and usability, or rotate about a single axis, restricting mounting options and requiring manual handling for flag deployment and stowage.
Innovation Solution
A pole mounting device with a tubular holder, ball joint, and adjustable clamp that allows rotation about two axes, enabling flexible mounting on various surfaces and structures, including boats and golf carts, with an adapter for mobile electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid flag holder is used to hold the flag in a single position, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the mounting location is limited and the flag cannot be adjusted for optimal viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The flag holder is designed with dynamic rotation capabilities, allowing it to rotate about a first axis (horizontal) and a second axis (vertical) passing through the pole. This enables the flag to be positioned at various angles and orientations to optimize viewing from different locations on the boat, while the mounting structure remains relatively simple through the use of universal joints and basic mechanical components
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flag holder rotates about a single axis, then the mounting structure is simpler, but the possible mounting locations are limited due to obstruction by boat structures
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis rotation system allows the flag holder to navigate around obstructions by rotating horizontally and vertically, providing access to mounting locations that would be inaccessible to single-axis systems. The pole can be manually manipulated to achieve the desired orientation, making flag deployment and retrieval straightforward while expanding mounting position options
3Ease of operation
If the flag is manually held by a spotter, then the flag can be positioned correctly, but the spotter's ability to aid the skier or perform other tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed to be self-sufficient, with the flag securely attached to the rotatable pole that is mounted on the boat structure. The system automatically maintains flag visibility through its stable mounting and adjustable positioning, freeing the spotter from manual flag handling and allowing them to focus entirely on monitoring and assisting the water skier
Data Source
AI summary
A pole mounting device has a rod with a ball at one end and a clamp at the opposite end, and a holder tube with a ball socket that forms a ball joint with the ball on the end of the rod. The holder tube rotates relative to the rod about two transverse axes. A pole is held in one end of the tube and a set screw in the other end adjusts rotational resistance of the ball joint. The mounting device can mount flag poles, and with an adapter, mobile electronic devices or other articles.