On-the-go adjustable extension pole providing hands-free tool connection and disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extension poles lack hands-free tool connection and disconnection mechanisms, and their telescoping tubes often allow debris to enter, inhibiting sliding and locking functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design features slidably intercoupled elongated members with a tool-holding assembly and a locking mechanism that allows for automatic tool disconnection and prevents debris entry, enabling hands-free tool changes and maintaining adjustability without releasing the pole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If telescoping tubes include openings to allow proper functioning of the locking mechanism, then the locking mechanism can function properly, but debris can enter the tube and inhibit sliding and locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested sealing structures where an inner seal is positioned within the telescoping tube and an outer seal is positioned on the exterior surface. These nested sealing elements work together to create multiple barriers against debris while preserving the locking mechanism openings, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining locking function and preventing debris entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible sealing members (elastomeric seals) that can deform to accommodate the locking mechanism openings while still blocking debris. These thin film-like sealing elements conform to the tube geometry and locking features, providing effective debris prevention without compromising the locking mechanism's functionality.
2Length of moving object
If a working tool is attached to the distal end of the pole, then the tool can be extended to unreachable locations, but the tool cannot be changed without manual disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service tool connection and disconnection system where the telescoping action of the pole automatically engages and disengages the tool. When the pole is extended or retracted, the movement itself performs the tool connection/disconnection function without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining extended reach and enabling easy tool changing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic tool attachment mechanism that transitions between connected and disconnected states based on the pole's extension position. The tool connection is not static but dynamically adjusted with the pole's movement, allowing automatic engagement during retraction and automatic disengagement during extension, thereby facilitating easy tool changes while maintaining extended reach capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple extension poles of different lengths are provided, then various working distances can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extension pole into telescoping segments that can be selectively extended and locked at various positions. This segmentation allows a single pole to provide multiple effective lengths by extending different numbers of segments, replacing the need for multiple complete poles of different fixed lengths and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamically adjustable pole length through telescoping mechanisms that allow continuous or discrete adjustment of the pole's effective length. This dynamic capability enables a single pole to adapt to various working distances by extending or retracting segments as needed, eliminating the need for multiple static poles of different fixed lengths.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hands-free system for connecting and disconnecting a tool from an adjustable length extension pole. The system includes first and second slidably interconnected elongated members, a tool-holding assembly releasably coupled to the second elongated member, and a locking assembly disposed between the first and second elongated members. The relative sliding of the first and second elongated members can be selectively restrained by rotating the first and second elongated members relative to one another. The tool-holding assembly can be disconnected from the second elongated member by sliding the first and second elongated members together.