Hinged Pole Assembly System for Single-Person Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of long and heavy pole structures, such as basketball goals and light poles, is difficult for one person due to their length and weight, making it challenging to implement effectively even for multiple individuals.
Innovation Solution
A pole assembly system that includes a lower pole with a base portion fixed to a cement pad, an upper pole pivotably coupled to the lower pole via a hinge, and a lever arm and lifting device to facilitate the vertical positioning of the upper pole, allowing for secure fixation and adjustment of components like backboards and lighting fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pole structure is made long and heavy to achieve the required height and stability, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structure is divided into multiple segments (first pole section and second pole section) that can be assembled together. The first pole section includes a base portion and a second portion, while the second pole section includes a first portion and a second portion, allowing modular assembly that reduces the difficulty of handling and positioning the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the pole sections. This coupling mechanism includes a coupling arm with a first coupling member that engages with a second coupling member on the adjacent pole section, facilitating the connection process and reducing the effort required for assembly.
2Length of stationary object
If the pole structure is made long and heavy, then the required height and stability are achieved, but the time required for assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is segmented into multiple sections that can be assembled in sequence. The first pole section is assembled to the base portion, then the second pole section is added, allowing the structure to be built incrementally rather than handled as a single long piece, thereby reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms are pre-configured on the pole sections, with the first coupling member and second coupling member positioned to engage automatically when the sections are joined. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces speeds up the assembly process by eliminating the need for complex alignment and fastening operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A basketball goal including a lower pole, an upper pole, a backboard and a rim. The lower pole extends from a base and extends with a lower pole hinge adjacent one end of the lower pole. The upper pole includes an upper pole hinge, the upper pole hinge configured to be coupled to the lower pole hinge with a pin to facilitate pivotably coupling the upper pole to the lower pole. The backboard is configured to be coupled to the upper pole, and the rim is configured to be coupled to the backboard. The pivotable coupling between the lower and upper poles is for assisting assembly of the basketball goal with an assembly system such that, upon assembling the basketball goal, the upper pole is fixated in an upright position with the lower pole. Also, a light pole may be assembled with a hinged coupling, similar to the basketball goal.