Interchangeable Pole Tip Attachment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pole systems for trekking, cross-country ski, Nordic walking, and alpine ski poles face challenges in easily exchanging tip elements, as the small diameter of the lower free end makes it unstable and prone to detachment, limiting the ability to change or repair tip attachments.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical sleeve with an external thread is attached to the pole tube, allowing for a detachable and form-fitting connection with an interchangeable element featuring an internal thread and anti-twist protection, enabling easy exchange of tip or plate attachments without tools, using a latching lug that can be deformed for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the lower free end of the pole tube is made conical with small diameter to reduce weight and complexity, then the pole becomes lighter and simpler, but the connection stability and wear resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pole system is divided into three main segments: the pole tube with conical lower end, the cylindrical sleeve attachment, and the interchangeable element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the pole tube remains lightweight and conical, while the sleeve provides a stable mounting interface with sufficient diameter for reliability, and the interchangeable element can be exchanged as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the conical pole tube and the interchangeable element. It has a larger diameter than the pole tube end, providing a stable mounting surface that prevents detachment, while still being attachable to the conical pole tube. The sleeve transfers loads between the pole tube and interchangeable element, protecting the weak conical connection.
2Strength
If the tip element is made as a separate body with self-locking press-fit or adhesive bonding to ensure strong connection, then the connection strength improves, but the ease of exchange deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection (adhesive or press-fit) to a dynamic controllable connection. The interchangeable element can be firmly attached during use through threading and latching, but can also be easily detached when needed by unscrewing and releasing the latch. This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between strong connection and easy exchange modes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connection system have different fastening mechanisms optimized for their specific functions. The sleeve uses threading for secure attachment to the pole tube, while the interchangeable element uses a latch mechanism for quick release. This localized differentiation of fastening methods allows both strong connection and easy exchange to be achieved in different locations of the same system.
3Ease of operation
If the interchangeable element uses a latching mechanism with hook and tooth for easy attachment and detachment, then the ease of exchange improves, but the reliability of secure fastening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is merged with the threading mechanism in the interchangeable element. The latch provides quick engagement and prevention of accidental detachment, while the threads provide secure mechanical fastening. Both mechanisms work together synergistically - the latch enables easy attachment by guiding the element into position, while the threads ensure reliable secure fastening during use. This combination resolves the contradiction between ease of exchange and secure fastening.
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 solution provides a mechanically stable and easily exchangeable tip attachment system, preventing rotation and ensuring secure fastening, allowing for tool-free interchangeability while maintaining stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
The interchangeable element has an internal thread in its blind hole, or in at least one axial portion of the inner wall of the blind hole, said internal thread being suitable for engaging in the external thread arranged on the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The plate attachment here has a latching lever with a hook which, upon installation from below on the pole, is caught behind a tooth, which is provided with an inclination, at the end of the pole tube. When the lever is pressed down, the hook is removed again from the tooth
Implementation Method 3
the lower free end is a conical free end, i.e. the pole diameter tapers toward the lower free end. Accordingly, this region, although very heavily loaded, is not particularly stable and wearproof because of the small diameter. The tip element is therefore generally designed as a separate body which, from the top, has a blind hole into which the free end of the pole tube is pressed in a self-locking manner
Data Source
AI summary
Attachment for a pole, in particular for a trekking pole, cross-country ski pole, Nordic-walking pole, or Alpine ski pole, comprising a substantially cylindrical sleeve (3) which can be fastened to the bottom free end (25) of a pole shaft (1), comprising a blind hole (22) open towards the top to accommodate the bottom free end of the pole bar, and an interchangeable element (2), which can be fastened to the sleeve in a detachable form-fitting and force-fitting manner. The sleeve comprises a head region (4) and an adjoining body region (5) extending downwards, and an outer thread (6) on at least one axial section of the body region. The interchangeable element comprises a tip or a rolling surface on the bottom end (21) thereof, wherein the interchangeable element has an axial blind hole (15) open towards the top for accommodating the sleeve.