Modular Pole Segments With Breakdown Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular pole systems for outdoor blinds and shelters are limited by single design configurations, prone to breakage, difficult to repair, and lack flexibility in configuration and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A modular system of interconnected shaft segments with configuration and breakdown attachments, featuring sleeves to protect pole tips and elastic cords for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for various configurations and easy replacement of broken components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fiberglass pole segments are permanently interconnected with a single stretch cord, then the structure provides continuous support, but the system becomes difficult to repair and the cord is prone to breaking under uneven stress
Solution Approach 1:
The pole system is divided into individual segments that can be separately replaced. Each pole segment is independently replaceable, allowing damaged sections to be swapped without replacing the entire structure or the stretch cord, thus improving repairability while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The stretch cord is extracted from being permanently fixed to specific pole segments. Instead, the cord runs through all segments and can be independently replaced without removing or replacing the pole segments themselves, separating the replacement operations and improving ease of repair
2Strength
If fiberglass pole segments are interconnected with metal ferrules and stretch cords, then the poles provide structural support, but the system is limited to single design configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The pole segments are designed with universal connection features (channels and protrusions) that allow them to be interconnected in multiple configurations. The same segments can form different structural arrangements depending on how they are connected, enabling a single set of components to serve multiple design purposes while maintaining structural integrity
3Ease of operation
If pole segments are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then the system is portable and reconfigurable, but the connection points become potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism uses a nested structure where a protrusion on one pole segment inserts into a channel on another segment. This nested arrangement creates a robust mechanical interlock that maintains reliability while allowing easy assembly and disassembly through simple insertion and removal motions
Data Source
AI summary
An easy to use, reliable, easy to repair, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, multi-use modular system of poles and interconnections. An operator configures a number of structures using brackets, supports, segmented shafts, and interconnection components. The segmented shafts have both the ability to make an attachment to retain a particular configuration while being able to break down the shafts for transportation or storage. Some embodiments include a sleeve that protects the tip of a pole and provide a cushion and separation between a pole and a ferrule thereby reducing breakage and increase reliability. Broken components are easily replaced in the field. The configuration of the structure is changed by the user to quickly adapt to changing needs. Multiple components can be carried by separate members of a group and combined together to form a more complex structure to meet the needs of the group.