Dual-mounted end cap system and locking system for an adjustable rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable rods commonly used for supporting curtains and clothing lack the ability to be mounted both temporarily and permanently, leading to potential jamming issues and the need for disassembly for repair.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mounted end cap system with a locking mechanism that allows for both temporary and permanent mounting, featuring a lock assembly and end cap adjustment assemblies that secure the inner and outer tubes relative to one another, ensuring stable support without jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable rods use a locking system with sliding tubes to adjust length, then the rod can be adjusted to different lengths, but the locking system may become stuck requiring disassembly for repair
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: an inner tube with locking mechanism, an outer tube, and a locking assembly with distinct elements (locking ball, groove, spring). This segmentation allows the locking function to be isolated and repaired without replacing the entire rod assembly, resolving the reliability issue while preserving adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking ball acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer tubes. The ball engages with grooves in both tubes to lock them together, providing a reliable locking mechanism that prevents the tubes from becoming stuck while maintaining smooth adjustment capability.
2Ease of operation
If end caps are designed for temporary mounting only, then installation and removal are easy, but permanent mounting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap assembly is designed with dual functionality: it can be installed temporarily by simply pressing against the wall surface, or permanently by inserting mounting screws through the end cap into the wall. This multi-functionality allows the same end cap to serve both temporary and permanent mounting needs, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap mounting system transitions from a static single-purpose design to a dynamic multi-purpose design. The end cap can adapt its mounting mode based on user needs - temporary pressure-fit mounting for easy installation/removal, or permanent screw-mounted configuration for stability, thereby achieving both ease of operation and mounting flexibility.
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 system provides secure, jam-free operation by allowing adjustable rods to be mounted either temporarily or permanently, ensuring stability and ease of installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a lock sleeve that is expandable within the insert to a locked position that prevents relative movement between the inner and outer tubes
Implementation Method 2
The end caps include pads which create friction and improve the stability of the adjustable rods when mounted to the walls
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a dual mount end cap system for mounting a rod. The dual mount end cap system includes both a threaded system and a fastener system. This enables end caps of the system to be pre-mounted using a fastener and also adjusted using the threaded system. The fastener can extend through the dual mount end cap system. Alternatively, the threaded system can be used without the fastener system. There also is provided a stop system to prevent a locking system for an adjustable rod system to prevent the locking system from becoming stuck.