Pole Mounting Fixture With Locking Receiver for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting a pole to a surface, such as a vehicle, are either insecure, causing damage or require modifications to the surface, and fail to withstand wind forces.
Innovation Solution
A fixture comprising a mounting plate with a receiver and locking mechanism, optionally with a cradle and cover, securely attaches a pole to a surface without damaging it, using spring-loaded pins or bolts for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flexible materials such as rope, tape, or flexible clamps are used to connect the pole to the surface, then the installation is simple and causes minimal surface damage, but the connection is not secure and the pole may become dislodged under wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: a mounting plate for surface attachment, a receiver for pole insertion, and a separate locking mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the mounting plate provides simple surface mounting with minimal damage, while the locking mechanism ensures secure connection under wind loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into an integrated fixture assembly. The mounting plate, receiver, and locking mechanism work together as a unified system that achieves both easy installation and secure connection. The receiver integrates the pole-receiving function with the locking mechanism interface, merging what could be separate operations into a single coordinated assembly.
2Reliability
If rigid connection devices such as rigid clamps or pipes are used to secure the pole, then the connection is secure against wind forces, but significant modification to the surface is required such as drilling or boring holes
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture separates the secure connection function from the surface attachment function. The mounting plate handles surface attachment with minimal modification (surface mounting without drilling), while the receiver and locking mechanism provide the secure rigid connection needed to withstand wind forces. This segmentation eliminates the need to choose between secure connection and minimal surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves as an intermediary between the surface and the pole-securing components. It provides a stable base that distributes loads without requiring direct drilling into the surface, thereby protecting the surface from damage while still enabling secure pole attachment through the receiver and locking mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible connection solutions are used, then minimal surface modification is required, but the pole may scratch the surface or become dislodged under extreme wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pole-retention function from the surface-contact function. The mounting plate contacts the surface with a large distributed area to minimize damage, while the receiver and locking mechanism provide positive mechanical retention to prevent dislodgement. This segmentation allows the surface-contact component to be gentle while the retention-component to be rigid and secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate acts as a cushioning intermediary that distributes and protects the surface from concentrated loads and scratches. By providing a broad bearing surface before the pole connection forces are applied to the surface, it prevents the pole or its mounting hardware from directly scratching or damaging the surface while maintaining secure retention.
4Reliability
If rigid clamps or pipes are used to wrap around the pole, then secure connection is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture segments the installation process into simple sequential steps: attach the mounting plate to the surface, insert the pole into the receiver, and engage the locking mechanism. This segmentation transforms a complex wrapping and securing operation into discrete, quick steps. The pre-fabricated receiver and locking mechanism eliminate the need for time-consuming field adjustments and wrapping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver and locking mechanism are pre-assembled and pre-configured during manufacturing, so that during installation, the pole simply needs to be inserted and locked. This preliminary preparation of the connection components eliminates the need for complex field assembly or adjustment, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for connecting a pole to a surface comprises a mounting plate, a receiver, and at least one locking mechanism. The mounting plate having a mounting plate perimeter defining a mounting plate top surface and a mounting plate bottom surface. The mounting plate comprising at least two mounting holes. The receiver being attached to the mounting plate top surface. The receiver comprising at least one sidewall defining a hollow interior and at least one locking hole passing through the sidewall. The at least one locking mechanism configured to interact with the at least one locking hole.