Extension Pole Button Assembly With Cammed Plug to Prevent Pinch Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing button assemblies in extension poles can create pinch points between the button and the pole sections, posing a risk of injury to users.

Innovation Solution

A button assembly with a plug, button, and biasing member that allows slidable movement between locked and unlocked positions, featuring a land region and cammed region to prevent pinch points, with dimensions and ratios designed to accommodate user digits and ensure a non-circular cross-section for enhanced comfort and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a button is used to lock pole sections, then the pole sections are held in desired positions, but a pinch point forms between the button and the wall of the outer section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidpinch point injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A plug is introduced as an intermediary component between the button and the inner pole section. The plug receives the button and provides a cammed surface that guides the button's movement, preventing the button from directly contacting the inner section wall and eliminating the pinch point hazard while maintaining locking functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The button assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the button itself, the plug with cammed surface, and the biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the button provides user interface, the plug provides guidance and elimination of pinch points, and the biasing member provides return force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the button width is reduced for better fit, then the button fits better in the opening, but user digit comfort is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton fitVSAvoiduser digit pinching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug acts as a mediator between the button and the user's digit. The cammed surface on the plug provides a gradual, guided movement path that distributes pressure and prevents the user's digit from being pinched between the button and the inner section wall during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 assembly mitigates pinch points by aligning user digits with the land region, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing user comfort during pole extension and retraction.

Implementation Method 1

The biasing member biases the button to the locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12372109B2Button assemblies for extension poles

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

A button assembly is provided that includes a plug, a button, and a biasing member. The plug can be received in an inner pole section. The button is slidably received in the plug for movement between a locked position extended from the plug and an unlocked position retracted with respect to the plug. The biasing member biases the button to the locked position. The button has a land region, a cammed region, and a locking edge. The cammed region slopes from the land region in a direction towards the locking edge. The land region is remote from any pinch point formed between the plug and the locking edge.