Flexible Handle Nordic Pole Lever Mechanics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Nordic walking poles cause joint and ligament strain due to shock and vibration when hitting hard surfaces, and the wrist straps can lead to repetitive strain injuries from improper force transfer during the pushing phase.
Innovation Solution
A Nordic walking pole with a handle mounted flexibly at a 45- to 65-degree angle to the pole shaft, functioning as a lever to increase pushing force and absorb shock, featuring a flexible handle design that reduces wrist strain and enhances grip on hard surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional stiff Nordic walking pole is used, then the pole provides structural support and pushing force, but it generates shock and vibration when hitting hard surfaces causing joint and ligament strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pole shaft flexible rather than rigid. The pole shaft is constructed with multiple segments (carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aluminum) that can bend and flex during use. This flexibility allows the pole to dynamically adapt to ground impacts, absorbing shock and vibration through controlled deformation while maintaining structural support. The flexible shaft bends backward during the pushing phase and returns to its original position, providing both support and shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical properties of the pole shaft. Instead of using a single rigid material, the pole uses composite materials with specific flexural characteristics. The shaft's flexibility parameter is optimized to provide adequate support force while limiting the transmission of harmful vibrations to the user's joints. The material composition and segment design are specifically chosen to achieve the desired balance between strength and shock absorption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a telescopic shock absorber is added to the pole, then shock absorption is improved, but the pole's resistance is reduced causing loss of walking rhythm and continuous arm pumping motion
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible shaft design provides dynamic resistance that adapts to the walking rhythm. As the pole bends during the pushing phase, it stores elastic energy and provides progressive resistance. The resistance is not constant but increases as the shaft bends further, naturally regulating the arm movement speed and preventing continuous pumping motion. The shaft's elastic recovery provides a smooth deceleration at the end of the push, maintaining rhythmic walking.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shaft acts as a prior cushioning element that prepares for shock absorption before impact occurs. The shaft's inherent flexibility allows it to begin bending and storing energy during the approach phase, so that when the pole tip contacts the ground, the cushioning effect is already in progress. This prevents the sudden shock transmission that occurs with rigid poles while maintaining continuous resistance throughout the motion cycle.
3Force
If the pole handle is positioned at a standard angle, then the pole provides pushing force, but the wrist strap causes repetitive strain injuries from improper force transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the handle at an asymmetric angle (45-65 degrees backward from vertical) rather than the conventional symmetric vertical or backward angle. This asymmetric positioning changes the force transfer geometry, allowing the pushing force to be directed more efficiently through the arm while reducing the strain on the wrist joint. The handle angle creates a more natural wrist position during the pushing phase, preventing the repetitive strain caused by improper force alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle angle parameter is specifically optimized to 45-65 degrees backward from vertical, which is a significant deviation from traditional handle positions. This parameter change fundamentally alters the biomechanics of force transfer. The optimized angle ensures that the pushing force is transmitted through the arm in a direction that aligns with the natural anatomical structure, reducing stress on the wrist joint and preventing repetitive strain injuries while maintaining effective pushing force.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the pole is made shorter for flexing action, then shock absorption and lever action are improved, but the pole length for optimal walking mechanics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible shaft enables the pole to effectively function at a shorter length by utilizing elastic deformation to extend the functional range. During the pushing phase, the shaft bends backward, effectively increasing the lever arm length and pushing distance without requiring a physically longer pole. The dynamic flexing action compensates for the reduced static length, maintaining optimal mechanics for shock absorption and force generation while keeping the pole at a manageable size.
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 flexible handle design reduces joint strain by absorbing shock and enhances the natural pendulum motion, providing a more ergonomic and comfortable walking experience while increasing upper body activity and muscle engagement.
Implementation Method 1
When walking on a hard surface, its flexible handle also functions as an efficient shock absorber for the pole spike
Implementation Method 2
Due to the vibration generated by a traditional, too stiff Nordic walking pole, today's Nordic walking pole is not designed to be especially used for running or walking on a hard surface
Implementation Method 3
the handle at the above-mentioned angle functions as an efficient lever with high flexing resistance, i.e., a 20-80 kg, generating a pushing force in the pole shaft both downwards and backwards
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a Nordic walking/running/exercise pole, which is equipped with a handle flexing towards the pole shaft.