Elastomer Damping Member for Pole Impact Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pole damping systems fail to effectively address secondary rebound forces and provide consistent force damping, often resulting in internal mechanisms that do not offer user confirmation of operation and are prone to vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The use of an externally disposed elastomer-based damping system with multiple stages and a rebound air dampener, which provides visual feedback and adjustable rebound force characteristics, is implemented in elongated poles to absorb and manage impact and rebound forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional internal spring mechanisms are used for pole damping, then impact forces can be absorbed, but the system produces vibrations and provides no visual feedback to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional internal metal spring mechanism with an external elastomer-based damping system. The elastomer material (such as rubber or polyurethane) provides impact absorption through its viscoelastic properties, eliminating the vibrations and metallic resonance characteristic of steel springs. The external placement of the damping element allows for vibration isolation from the pole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer damping element is positioned externally on the pole where it is visible to the user. The material can be colored or designed with visual features that change appearance under different conditions (such as compression), providing visual feedback to the user about the damping system's operation and the forces being absorbed during use.
2Device complexity
If conventional linear spring systems are used, then simple construction is achieved, but the damping force is not consistent with ideal force damping characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-stage elastomer elements with different durometer (hardness) values and geometric configurations arranged in series or parallel. This creates a progressive damping curve where softer stages engage first for low forces, followed by progressively stiffer stages for higher forces, achieving ideal non-linear damping characteristics that match the actual force profiles experienced during pole use without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping system uses composite elastomer constructions, combining materials with different physical properties (different durometers, densities, and viscoelastic characteristics) within a single damping assembly. This allows the system to provide consistent, predictable damping across the full range of operational forces while maintaining relatively simple construction.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional internal damping systems are used, then compact design is achieved, but user confirmation of damping operation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the damping element from the internal pole structure and positions it externally on the pole surface. This external placement maintains a compact overall pole design while simultaneously making the damping system visible and accessible to the user. The user can directly observe the elastomer element's compression and rebound, confirming that the damping system is functioning properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The externally positioned elastomer damping element provides inherent visual feedback to the user. As the pole is compressed during use, the elastomer element visibly deforms and then rebounds to its original shape, giving the user immediate confirmation that the damping system is actively absorbing and managing the applied forces. This eliminates the information loss associated with hidden internal mechanisms.
4Force
If steel spring-based damping systems are used, then adequate damping force is achieved, but the pole weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes steel spring mechanisms with elastomer-based damping elements. Elastomers provide comparable or superior damping forces to steel springs but at a fraction of the weight due to their polymer composition and ability to leverage viscoelastic energy dissipation. This substitution significantly reduces pole weight while maintaining adequate impact absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomer materials (such as rubber or polyurethane) replaces dense metallic materials with lighter polymer-based materials that provide equivalent or enhanced damping performance. The composite nature of these elastomers allows for optimization of the strength-to-weight ratio, achieving adequate damping force with minimal weight addition to the pole.
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
This solution provides a lighter, vibration-free damping system that offers improved performance by effectively managing both impact and rebound forces, providing user assurance through visible operation and adjustable rebound control.
Implementation Method 1
The damping member includes an elastic material such as elastomer that rebounds in response to a compression force
Implementation Method 2
A rebound air dampener within the hand receiving member for controlling the rebound force characteristics of the damping member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for damping the impact and rebound forces associated with the use of elongated poles. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a supportive pole system including an elongated shaft, hand receiving member, tip, and force absorbing system. The force absorbing system includes a damping member externally disposed on the elongated shaft between the elongated shaft and either the hand receiving member or the tip. The damping member includes an elastic material such as elastomer that rebounds in response to a compression force. The damping member may include a plurality of stages configured to include independent damping force response characteristics. The force absorbing system may further include a rebound air dampener within the hand receiving member for controlling the rebound force characteristics of the damping member.