Patio Heater Pole Assembly With Self-Locking Flange Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patio heater assemblies lack a stable and efficient mechanism for transitioning between collapsed and raised positions, and for securely maintaining the heater in the assembled state, which affects ease of use and stability.
Innovation Solution
A patio heater assembly with a base, vertically extending uprights, and a moveable pole that includes a pole flange for rigid connection to a support platform, along with a shroud that slides between upper and lower positions, utilizing guide brackets and resilient pins for secure positioning, allowing easy transition between collapsed and assembled states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pole is made moveable between collapsed and raised positions for ease of storage and transport, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and reliability of the assembled position deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pole flange is pre-formed with a specific geometry that automatically engages with the support platform when the pole is raised, creating a self-locking mechanism that ensures stable assembly without requiring additional fastening actions
Solution Approach 2:
The pole flange acts as an intermediary element between the pole and the support platform, providing a dedicated connection interface that ensures reliable coupling while allowing the pole to be easily positioned and secured
2Reliability
If the pole flange rigidly connects to the support platform to maintain stability, then reliability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the pole flange can be easily inserted and removed, yet provides rigid stabilization when assembled through its geometric engagement with the support platform
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is segmented into distinct components (pole flange and support platform interface) that can independently engage and disengage, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining rigid connection when assembled
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shroud slides between upper and lower positions for versatile positioning, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is designed to slide over the pole in a nested configuration, with the pole serving as the inner element and the shroud as the outer element that moves along it, creating a simple yet versatile positioning system
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud positioning system utilizes vertical sliding motion along the pole axis, adding a dimensional aspect to the assembly that enables versatile positioning without requiring complex lateral adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present concept is a patio heater assembly. The patio heater assembly includes a base and at least one support platform spaced from the base that is supported and attached to a vertically extending rear upright and at least one vertically extending forward upright. The uprights are attached at one end to the base and the other end to the at least one support platform. There is a pole moveable between a collapsed position and a raised assembled position that includes at least one pole flange at a bottom end of the pole. The pole flange rigidly connects to the support platform when in the raised assembled position, thereby maintaining the patio heater assembly in the raised assembled position. While in the collapsed position the pole flange rests on the base.