Cam-Locked Pole Hinge Joint for Ground-Level Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial maintenance of pole-mounted equipment often requires climbing ladders, posing safety hazards and increasing labor costs, as existing pivot joint systems do not efficiently facilitate lowering equipment to ground level for maintenance without assistance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge joint system with a securing assembly that allows for the rotation of a cup relative to a base, enabling the upper pole section to be lowered without disassembly, using a rotatable shaft and cam mechanism to transition between engaged and released states, allowing a single technician to safely lower the equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pivot joint system is used to enable lowering of the upper pole section, then the equipment can be lowered to a lower position, but the system still requires ladder climbing for maintenance and does not allow single-person operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint enables dynamic positioning of the upper pole section, allowing it to be lowered from a vertical position to a horizontal or angled position for maintenance access. The joint transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a movable articulated connection, enabling the pole top to be positioned at ground level for safe maintenance work without ladders.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the locking pin and the pole sections, providing controlled movement and positioning. The cam profile translates rotational motion of the pin into linear displacement, enabling smooth lowering and stable positioning of the upper pole section during maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If a securing assembly with locking pin is used to lock the joint in engaged state, then the joint stability is improved, but the operation complexity and time required for releasing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured with a profile that automatically guides the locking pin through the engagement and disengagement sequences. The cam geometry is designed in advance to provide the necessary mechanical advantage and movement paths, allowing the operator to simply rotate the pin without performing complex manual operations for locking or releasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism performs the work of controlling the pole section movement and positioning automatically as the locking pin is rotated. The cam profile self-regulates the engagement and disengagement processes, eliminating the need for additional manual intervention or complex control procedures by the operator.
3Ease of operation
If the shaft is allowed to translate freely along the longitudinal slot, then the securing assembly can transition between states, but uncontrolled movement and instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides periodic control of the shaft movement through its rotating profile. As the locking pin rotates, the cam profile creates a sequence of controlled movements: the shaft translates along the slot, then is restrained by the cam geometry, then translates again during disengagement. This periodic action pattern ensures stable, controlled transitions between engaged and disengaged states.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism changes the positional parameters of the shaft along the longitudinal slot in a controlled manner. The cam profile defines specific positions where the shaft is restrained (during engagement) and positions where it is free to move (during translation). By controlling the shaft's position parameter along the slot, the mechanism achieves both operability and stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces the need for ladders during maintenance by enabling a single worker to lower equipment safely and efficiently, reducing labor costs and enhancing safety by allowing maintenance at ground level.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft having a cam projection positioned to contact against the fulcrum protrusion and displace the shaft toward the upper relative position when the shaft is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices, and products for use in a pole support system. Apparatus include a hinge joint comprising: a base having an insertion end with a longitudinal slot and with a fulcrum protrusion on an inner surface; a cup having a receiving end selectively receiving the insertion end of the base; a securing assembly configured to selectively release the cup from the base, the securing assembly comprising a rotatable shaft that translates along the longitudinal slot between at least i) a lower relative position corresponding to an engaged state in which the insertion end is received by the receiving end, and ii) an upper relative position corresponding to a released state in which the insertion end is free of the receiving end; the shaft having a cam projection positioned to contact against the fulcrum protrusion and displace the shaft toward the upper relative position when the shaft is rotated.