Eccentric Fastening Mechanism for Pole Grip Straps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pole grip fastening mechanisms for walking sticks, trekking poles, and ski poles struggle with secure fixing of hand straps, often allowing undesirable adjustments during use, especially under varying temperatures and stress conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an eccentric element that can be rotated or pivoted, with a surface radius increasing in the arresting direction, providing a reliable and easy-to-release fastening mechanism for hand straps, which can be integrated into the pole grip to absorb forces and maintain fixation irrespective of the strap's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a screw or wedge mechanism is used for fastening the hand strap, then the adjustment is straightforward and reliable, but the device complexity increases and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment easeVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the fastening element by using an eccentric cylinder instead of a traditional screw or wedge. The eccentricity of the cylinder creates a variable radius that provides mechanical advantage during rotation, enabling easy adjustment while maintaining simple structure. The fastening element's shape parameter (eccentricity) is the key change that resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a tilting element with pins is used for adjustable fastening, then adjustment is possible, but secure fixing during use becomes difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidfixing security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using a rotatable eccentric element that transitions between two dynamic states: a loose state during adjustment where the fastening element can move freely, and a locked state during use where the eccentric geometry prevents unintended movement. The dynamic rotation of the eccentric element provides both adjustability and reliability, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the fastening mechanism allows easy adjustment, then user requirements can be met, but undesirable adjustment during use may occur under pulling forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment easeVSAvoidstrap length stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses asymmetry in the form of an eccentric cylinder where the radius varies asymmetrically during rotation. This asymmetric geometry creates a mechanical lock effect where the strap can be easily adjusted in one direction (when the eccentric element is rotated to increase the radius) but is prevented from moving in the opposite direction (when the eccentric element's geometry blocks movement). This resolves the contradiction by making adjustment easy while preventing unintended changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Reliability

If a complex fastening mechanism is used to prevent undesirable adjustment, then reliability improves, but the design becomes less straightforward and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoiddesign simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The eccentric fastening element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adjustable positioning, mechanical locking, and resistance to unintended movement all through a single geometric feature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and locking devices, maintaining design simplicity while achieving high reliability. The single eccentric element performs what would traditionally require multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

The eccentric element allows for secure and adjustable fastening of hand straps without excessive force, ensuring reliable fixation and easy release, even under accidental pulling, while accommodating varying strap thicknesses and temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

an eccentric element which can be rotated or pivoted about an axial member, which eccentric element, in the fastening region, has a surface of which the radius, in relation to the axial member, increases in the arresting direction of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric: Excentric

Implementation Method 2

by virtue of the eccentric element being rotated or pivoted in the arresting direction of rotation, the fastening element guided, in the fastening region, between this surface of the eccentric element and a stationary abutment is clamped between the eccentric element and abutment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

the fastening element guided, in the fastening region, between this surface of the eccentric element and a stationary abutment is clamped between the eccentric element and abutment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7621564B2Pole grip
Publication Date: 2009.11.24 LEKISPORT AG
  • US7621564B2 patent drawing
  • US7621564B2 patent drawing
  • US7621564B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a stick/pole grip (1), particularly for walking sticks, trekking poles, alpine ski poles, cross-country ski poles and Nordic walking poles, with a grip body (3) and with a device (11-14) for adjustably fastening a hand-retaining device, particularly provided in the form of a hand strap (2) or a glove. The inventive stick/pole grip is characterized in that the hand-retaining device has, at least in a fastening area, a fastening means provided in the form of a strip, a strap, a belt or a rope for fastening to the stick/pole grip (1), and that the device has an eccentric element (11) that can rotate and/or pivot about an axis (12), this eccentric element (11) having a surface in the fastening area whose radius (a, b, c) increases toward the axis (12) in a fixing direction of rotation (F) at least in a step-by-step, continuously, ribbed or stepped manner so that the fastening means guided in the fastening area between this surface of the eccentric element (11) and a fixed abutment (14) is clamped between the eccentric element (11) and the abutment (14) by rotating or pivoting the eccentric element (11) in the fixing direction of rotation (F). This design makes possible an extremely simple and reliable variable fastening of a hand-retaining device on the stick/pole grip.