Nylon Reinforcement Member for Stilt Pole Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stilt devices experience wear and operational issues due to mechanical contact between metal components, which affects the reliability and longevity of the leg support mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement member is introduced, comprising a nylon or similar material with a cap portion, body, and collar portions that includes a locking feature to prevent axial displacement and reduce wear by creating gaps between the substrate and elongated member, thereby minimizing metal-on-metal contact and enhancing rotational stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal components are used in the stilt device, then strength and structural rigidity are improved, but wear and mechanical contact damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforcement member made of nylon or other wear-resistant material is introduced as an intermediary between the metal substrate (pole) and the metal elongated member (threaded fastener). This mediator prevents direct metal-on-metal contact, reducing wear while maintaining the structural integrity provided by the metal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member is formed of nylon or other material with suitable wear resistance characteristics, creating a composite structure where the metal substrate provides structural rigidity and the nylon reinforcement member provides wear resistance. This composite approach allows both metal strength and wear protection to coexist.
2Ease of operation
If the elongated member is allowed to deflect mechanically during rotation, then rotational motion is facilitated, but wear increases due to contact with the wall surface
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member acts as a mediator between the elongated member and the substrate wall surface. It allows the elongated member to deflect during rotation for ease of operation, while the reinforcement member's limit surface absorbs the mechanical contact, preventing wear on both the elongated member and the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful wear contact is extracted from the system by introducing the reinforcement member. The limit surface of the reinforcement member takes out the mechanical contact function, allowing the elongated member to deflect during rotation without causing wear to the substrate or itself.
3Reliability
If the reinforcement member is made of nylon or wear-resistant material, then wear between components is reduced, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the single reinforcement member: it provides wear resistance through its material composition, acts as a spacer to maintain gaps, prevents axial displacement through its locking feature, and reduces wear through its limit surface. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides wear resistance, spacing, axial position maintenance, and wear reduction during rotation. This universal component approach improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component performs multiple protective functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for enhancing relative rotation between a substrate and a rotatable member. The substrate preferably comprises a pole of a leg support assembly in a stilt device, and the rotatable member preferably comprises a leg engagement assembly of the stilt device which engages a user's leg. The reinforcement member preferably operates as a spacer for the substrate, as well as to reduce wear between the substrate and an elongated member which couples the rotatable member to the substrate. A limit surface of the reinforcement member limits mechanical deflection of the elongated member and preferably comprises an annular sidewall of an aperture. A locking feature of the reinforcement member preferably comprises a tab which engages a channel in the substrate to maintain a desired axial orientation of the reinforcement member.