Pole Grip Connecting Element Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pole handle arrangements for hiking, trekking, and skiing are cumbersome and uncomfortable to use, particularly when detaching the hand strap from the pole handle, due to difficult access to actuation elements and the need for high actuation force or awkward hand movements.
Innovation Solution
A pole handle arrangement with a connecting element that can pivot between securing and release positions about a longitudinal axis, allowing for simple linear movements to establish and release the connection, with the removal direction transverse to the insertion direction, enabling easy detachment without twisting the hand or wrist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting element is permanently attached to the handle, then the connection is reliable and secure, but the user must thread their hand through the loop which is cumbersome and uncomfortable when repeated detachment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The hand strap system is divided into two separable parts: a permanent loop attached to the handle and a detachable connecting element attached to the user's hand. This segmentation allows the user to attach and detach the connecting element to the handle without threading the hand through the loop, combining secure permanent attachment with easy detachable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element incorporates a pivotable section that can rotate between a locked position (securing the connection) and a release position (allowing detachment). This dynamic mechanism enables the transition from a secure fixed connection to an easily detachable state, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the operating elements are placed on the top of the pole handle, then the connection can be secured, but the elements are difficult to reach and require considerable force to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The operating mechanism is extracted from the top of the handle and integrated directly into the connecting element itself. The pivotable section of the connecting element serves as the operating mechanism, allowing the user to activate the locking and releasing functions by simply moving their hand naturally, without reaching for separate operating elements on the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element performs dual functions: it provides the structural connection between hand and handle, and it contains the operating mechanism for securing and releasing that connection. The user's natural hand movement during attachment automatically activates the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate operating actions.
3Reliability
If the connecting element requires rotational movement to release, then the connection can be secured, but the hand must be released from the cane handle during the rotation which is still cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates a pivotable section that can rotate between a locked position (securing the connection) and a release position (allowing detachment). This dynamic mechanism enables the transition from a secure fixed connection to an easily detachable state, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Pole-grip arrangement (1) for hiking poles, trekking poles, Nordic walking poles, (cross-country) ski poles and the like, having a pole grip (4) and a hand strap (30), wherein the hand strap (30) is connected to a connecting element (12) which can be introduced into the pole grip (4) in a push-in direction (X) and is in releasable engagement with the pole grip (4), wherein the connecting element (12) is designed, and arranged in the pole grip (4) in a use position, such that at least one portion of the connecting element (12) can be pivoted, about a longitudinal axis (D) of the connecting element (12), between a securing position and a release position and, in the release position, the connecting element (12) can be displaced in a removal direction (Y) and removed from the pole grip (4), wherein, in the securing position and in the release position, the longitudinal axis (D) of the connecting element (12) is oriented in the same way in relation to the pole grip (4), and the removal direction (Y) extends substantially transversely to the push-in direction (X).