Lever-Actuated Post Socket for High-Force Non-Damaging Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post sockets either damage or weaken posts due to the application of clamping force through a small area, or fail to provide sufficient clamping force to prevent twisting and removal of the post.
Innovation Solution
A post socket design featuring a compressible sleeve with a grip section that adjusts between two widths, a lever arm, and an actuator to rotate the lever arm, allowing even clamping force application without bolts on the post's sides, utilizing a 2:1 mechanical advantage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If bolts are driven into the side of the post to secure it, then clamping force is applied to retain the post, but the post is damaged and potentially weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a compressible sleeve that acts as a flexible shell to apply clamping force to the post. The sleeve is compressed by a lever arm mechanism to grip the post securely without penetrating or damaging it, replacing the bolt-based puncture method with a distributed surface compression approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of clamping force application from concentrated (bolts) to distributed (compressible sleeve). The sleeve's compressibility allows it to deform and conform to the post surface, distributing the clamping force across a larger area to prevent localized damage while maintaining secure retention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a compressible sleeve is used to reduce damage to the post, then clamping force is distributed over a greater area, but the clamping force may not be sufficient to prevent twisting and removal of the post
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic lever arm mechanism that can be rotated to adjust the compression force applied to the compressible sleeve. This allows the system to transition from an uncompressed state (no damage) to a compressed state (high clamping force), providing both protection and sufficient retention force as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the force application system into distinct components: the compressible sleeve for distributed force application, the lever arm for force multiplication and adjustment, and the actuator for controlled compression. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function while working together to achieve both low damage and high clamping force.
3Reliability
If traditional back-filled material is used to retain the post, then the post is secured in the ground, but replacement of damaged posts is time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from the ground itself (traditional method where concrete or back-filled material secures the post permanently) and transfers it to a removable socket mechanism. The socket with its compressible sleeve provides the retention force, allowing the post to be securely held yet easily released and replaced without excavating the ground.
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 securely holds the post without damaging it, ensuring even force distribution and preventing twisting or removal, while allowing easy installation and replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm rotatably attached to the housing at a first pivot point, the lever arm configured to rotate in a working plane, the working plane extending radially from the compressible sleeve's longitudinal axis, and parallel to the compressible sleeve's longitudinal axis; and an actuator configured to rotate the lever arm around the first pivot point
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve comprises a grip section, the grip section being adjustably moveable between a first grip position in which the sleeve has a first internal width and a second grip position in which the sleeve has a second internal width, the second internal width being less than the first internal width
Implementation Method 3
the lever arm arranged to move the grip section, from the first grip position to the second grip position, to grip and thus retain at least a portion of a post within the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
Post sockets to support information signs and street/traffic lighting are known. Instead of securing a post directly into the ground, post sockets may be used. However, it may be difficult to access the post socket's actuation mechanism, or apply a sufficient clamping force via the actuation mechanisms. There is provided a post socket comprising a compressible sleeve within a housing, the sleeve comprising a grip section adjustably moveable between a first grip position and second grip position, the second grip position having a smaller internal width than the first grip position, a lever arm rotatably attached to the housing, and an actuator to rotate the lever arm around a first pivot point. The grip section is rotatably attached to the lever arm at a second pivot point, to move the grip section from the first to the second grip position, to grip and retain a post within the sleeve.