Telescoping Mast Auto-Lock Assembly for Remote Section Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing payload capacities and weights of pneumatic telescoping masts pose safety concerns due to the manual locking and unlocking of mast sections, which is inefficient and hazardous for users.
Innovation Solution
An auto-lock assembly for telescoping masts with pre-loaded latch pins and levers that move linearly between locked and unlocked positions, utilizing guide plates and angled bearing surfaces to automate the locking and unlocking process, allowing for remote control and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual locking and unlocking mechanisms are used in telescoping masts, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but user safety deteriorates and operational efficiency decreases due to the need for manual intervention with heavy payloads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages without requiring manual intervention. The latch pin and lever system self-activates based on the telescoping motion itself, allowing the mechanism to service itself during extension and retraction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch pin is pre-loaded in a retracted position before the telescoping sections engage. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking action occurs automatically at the appropriate moment during extension, without requiring manual activation.
2Device complexity
If manual locking mechanisms are used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity decreases due to the time required for manual locking and unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages without requiring manual intervention. The latch pin and lever system self-activates based on the telescoping motion itself, allowing the mechanism to service itself during extension and retraction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static manual system to a dynamic automatic system where the latch lever moves between engaged and disengaged positions based on the telescoping motion, enabling rapid locking and unlocking cycles.
3Device complexity
If manual locking mechanisms are used, then the design remains simple, but water and dust ingress increases due to required manual access to locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages without requiring manual intervention. The latch pin and lever system self-activates based on the telescoping motion itself, allowing the mechanism to service itself during extension and retraction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide plate acts as an intermediary component that directs the latch lever's motion and ensures proper engagement. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to function automatically while maintaining a sealed configuration that prevents water and dust ingress.
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 auto-lock assembly enhances user safety by automating the locking and unlocking process, reducing the time required for mast extension and retraction, and minimizing manual contact, while also reducing water and dust ingress and optimizing manufacturability and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed in the collar and in engagement with the latch pin and configured to pre-load the latch pin toward the locked position
Implementation Method 2
an angled bearing surface disposed on an upper portion of the guide plate, the guide plate and angled bearing surface configured to contact the latch lever
Data Source
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AI summary
An auto-lock assembly for a telescoping mast having a plurality of telescoping tube sections configurable between a retracted position and an extended position is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein is a telescoping mast, which includes a plurality of telescoping mast sections including a base tube, an intermediate tube, and an end tube, the intermediate and end tube adapted to be telescopically received in the base tube, a base auto-lock having a collar for mounting to the base tube, and an intermediate autolock having a collar for mounting to the intermediate tube. Further disclosed herein is an auto-lock for use with a telescoping mast having a plurality of tube sections.