Eccentric Clamping Apparatus for Adjustable Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length-adjustable poles for hiking, trekking, Nordic walking, and ski poles lack an effective clamping mechanism that provides consistent clamping force under varying conditions and with different tube diameters, while also being easy to assemble and maintain a thin profile.
Innovation Solution
A clamping apparatus featuring a plastic sleeve with axial slots and a clamping clip with eccentric roll-off regions, which securely fastens an inside tube portion without slotted tubes, utilizing a two-component design with a tube sleeve and clamping sleeve for enhanced grip and anti-rotation protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping mechanism is designed to provide consistent clamping force under varying conditions and with different tube diameters, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into two separate components: a plastic sleeve that provides the clamping action and a clamping clip that secures the sleeve to the outer tube. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the sleeve for consistent clamping force through its axial slots and material properties, and the clip for secure attachment with its eccentric roll-off region, thereby improving reliability without requiring a monolithic complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic sleeve incorporates axial slots only in specific regions where flexibility is needed to accommodate different tube diameters, while maintaining solid structure in other areas for strength. The clamping clip features an eccentric roll-off region localized at the pivot point to provide the necessary mechanical advantage, while the rest of the clip maintains a simple structure for easy attachment and detachment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping apparatus is designed to accommodate different tube diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic sleeve is designed with axial slots that allow it to change its effective diameter and flexibility to accommodate different tube sizes. The sleeve can be manufactured with standard tolerances, and its adaptability is achieved through the geometric design of the axial slots and the material's elastic properties, rather than requiring precision manufacturing of the sleeve itself to fit different tube diameters
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of plastic sleeve material with specific elastomeric properties allows the component to deform elastically to accommodate different tube diameters. This material selection provides adaptability without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms or high-precision manufacturing, as the material itself adapts to the tube diameter within its elastic range
3Ease of manufacture
If the clamping apparatus uses a two-component design with tube sleeve and clamping sleeve, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic sleeve integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the clamping action through its interaction with the inner tube, maintains positioning through its fit on the outer tube, and allows for easy release through its axial slot design. The clamping clip combines the securing function and the release mechanism in one piece. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components compared to traditional designs while simplifying manufacturing
4Adaptability or versatility
If the plastic sleeve comprises axial slots to make circumference variable, then the adaptability is improved, but the strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The axial slots are positioned and sized locally within the plastic sleeve where flexibility is needed for circumference adjustment, while the majority of the sleeve structure remains solid to maintain strength. The slots are designed to provide just enough flexibility for the required adaptability without compromising the overall structural integrity of the sleeve
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic sleeve is manufactured from elastomeric material that provides both strength and flexibility. The material's inherent elastic properties compensate for the strength reduction caused by the axial slots, allowing the sleeve to maintain sufficient structural strength while achieving the required circumference variability for adapting to different tube diameters
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 solution provides improved clamping force and ease of assembly, allowing for adjustable length with minimal axial and circumferential extension, while accommodating different tube diameters and conditions, ensuring secure and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping lever comprises a roll-off region which is eccentric about a rotational axis of the clamping lever, by means of which roll-off region the spacing between a stop and a counter face for clamping, which is arranged on the outside surface of the first projection, can be reduced as a result of pivoting the clamping lever into the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a plastic sleeve which is fastenable on an outside tube portion, which is insertable into a further opening of the clamping apparatus, encompasses the inside tube portion substantially directly at least in an axial portion and clamps it when the clamping apparatus is in the closed state
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping apparatus (1) for a pole for axially fastening in a releasable manner an inner pipe segment (3) that can be inserted into an opening of the clamping apparatus. The clamping apparatus comprises a two-part plastic sleeve (5), which can be fastened to an outer pipe segment (2). The clamping apparatus also comprises a slotted clamp (16), which surrounds and clamps the plastic sleeve and which has a clamping lever (4), a lever arm (9) of which has an eccentric rolling region (8), by which the distance between a stop (12) and a counter surface (27) arranged on the outside of the first projection (13) can be reduced for clamping by pivoting the clamping lever (4) into the closed position.