Motor-Driven Telescoping Pole for Real-Time Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional telescoping poles used in the film industry require manual adjustments, which are tedious and interfere with audio/video capture, limiting adjustments to between takes and not allowing for real-time adjustments during operation.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping pole with tubular sections of decreasing width, electric motors, and a control module that allows for motor-driven adjustments via user input, enabling one-handed operation and adjustments during audio/video capture without interrupting the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple adjustment steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor automatically extends or retracts the telescoping sections based on control signals, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of latches and sections, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism operates autonomously once activated. The motor self-regulates the extension and retraction of the telescoping pole sections without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the operator to simply initiate the adjustment and the system completes the task automatically.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment is performed, then device complexity remains low, but productivity deteriorates due to interruption of audio/video capture
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting manual adjustment with automated motor control, the system enables adjustments to be made quickly and efficiently during operation. The motor-driven mechanism can extend or retract the pole in seconds without requiring the operator to stop the audio/video capture process, thereby maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor adjustment system is pre-configured and ready for immediate activation. When adjustment is needed during a take, the operator can simply trigger the motor to begin adjustment, eliminating the need to pause and manually prepare the adjustment mechanism, thus avoiding interruptions to productivity.
3Ease of operation
If one-handed operation is enabled, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to integrated control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The manual two-handed adjustment process is replaced with an automated motor system controlled by a simple interface that can be operated with one hand. The motor automatically manages the complex mechanics of extending and retracting multiple telescoping sections, reducing the operator's physical involvement to a simple button press or switch operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A control module serves as an intermediary between the operator and the motor mechanism. This intermediary processes the operator's simple input signal and translates it into the coordinated motor actions required for smooth telescoping adjustment, enabling one-handed operation while managing the underlying complexity.
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
Enables effortless length adjustments of the telescoping pole during operation, allowing for real-time adjustments without disrupting audio/video capture, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electric motors configured to rotationally drive the pinions
Implementation Method 2
The tubular sections include linear gear arrangements on their outer surfaces where the linear gear arrangements are engaged by pinons fixed to next wider tubular sections
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping pole comprised of a plurality of tubular sections, one or more electric motors, and a control module. Linear gear arrangements on the tubular sections are engaged with pinions fixed to the next wider tubular sections. Electric motors rotationally drive the pinions, linearly driving the tubular sections, and, thus, causing the telescoping pole to extend or retract. The length of the telescoping pole can be adjusted during audio/video capture. The telescoping pole is operable hand-held, and adjustments can be made using one hand. The telescoping pole may further comprise clamps, an accessory mount, a base mount, and a counterweight.