Foldable Sports Pole With Segmented Tensioning And Multi-Point Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable sticks require significant user effort to assemble and lock segments, leading to durability issues due to constant tension on the connecting rope and instability from single-point locking.
Innovation Solution
A foldable stick design featuring a tensioning mechanism that pre-tensions segments into assembly, with a clamping mechanism and spring-loaded locking system to ensure easy operation and stability, using non-elastically flexible tension elements and compression springs to maintain alignment and connection without external force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible continuous connecting cable is used to join pole segments, then the pole can be folded and assembled, but the cable is constantly subjected to tensile force leading to fatigue and shortened service life
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous cable is divided into separate cable sections, with each section connecting adjacent pole segments. This segmentation allows the cable to be tensioned during assembly and then relaxed, preventing constant tensile stress and fatigue on any single cable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning mechanism pre-tensions the cable sections during the assembly process to align and secure the pole segments. Once assembled, the cable is in a relaxed state, eliminating constant tensile force and extending service life.
2Ease of manufacture
If segments are joined by tensioning the connecting cable, then the pole can be assembled, but considerable force is required to move the locking mechanism into a locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanism is activated before final locking to pre-align the pole segments and tension the cable. This preliminary action reduces the force required to subsequently engage the locking mechanism, making assembly easier.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically engaged after tensioning, where the pre-tensioned cable helps guide and secure the segments into place, reducing the manual force needed to lock the pole.
3Device complexity
If the pole is locked only at the connection point between two segments, then the structure is simple, but the remaining segments are only held together by the connecting rope under tension, reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented and distributed to multiple connection points between adjacent pole segments. Each connection point has its own locking mechanism, providing multiple anchor points that collectively enhance pole stability while maintaining relatively simple individual locking structures.
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 design enhances user comfort and durability by allowing self-unfolding and self-locking of stick segments, reducing wear on tensioning components and providing increased stability through multi-point locking, resulting in a more efficient and long-lasting foldable cane.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one tensioning mechanism can be designed such that its spring force is sufficient to bring the pole segments into the assembled configuration of the pole
Implementation Method 2
The spring force of the tensioning mechanism can be designed in particular such that it is sufficient to overcome the total resistance of the connecting arrangement of two pole segments
Implementation Method 3
a tension element (44) in the form of a cable, wherein the end sections of the pole segments each have a continuous axial channel for guiding the cable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The present invention provides a foldable pole (10), in particular a sports pole (10), comprising a plurality of pole segments (12, 14, 16) and at least one tensioning mechanism (18, 20), wherein the pole (10) is adjustable between an assembled configuration in which all pole segments (12, 14, 16) are axially aligned and joined together, and a disassembled configuration in which the pole segments (12, 14, 16) are separated from each other and can be folded together, wherein the tensioning mechanism (18, 20) is configured to pre-tension the pole segments (12, 14, 16) into the assembled configuration of the pole (10).