Telescopic Pole Sander Locking Sleeve to Prevent Pole Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The prior art locking mechanism for telescopic poles in pole sanders can be over-tightened, leading to excessive compressional force that deforms the second pole, causing it to permanently fix the first pole in place, preventing telescopic adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A new locking mechanism design featuring a tubular sheaf with a rectangular cutout and a resilient planar tab that flexes to allow the catch to move perpendicular to the pole's axis, preventing the first pole from being permanently fixed and enabling telescopic adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking mechanism is tightened to secure the telescopic pole, then the locking reliability is improved, but the second pole may be deformed due to excessive compressional force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidsecond pole deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a resilient tab (element 70) made of flexible material that can deflect under compressional force. This flexible element absorbs excess force during tightening without permanently deforming the second pole, while still providing reliable locking when properly engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the locking mechanism from rigid to resilient by incorporating a spring element (element 60) and resilient tab (element 70). These elements can deform elastically under load, allowing the mechanism to accommodate varying compression forces without permanent deformation, thus resolving the contradiction between secure locking and pole integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the locking mechanism is over-tightened to prevent pole movement, then the stability is improved, but the first pole becomes permanently fixed and cannot be telescoped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole stabilityVSAvoidtelescopic adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic locking system where the resilient tab (element 70) and spring element (element 60) can deflect and return to their original positions. This allows the mechanism to provide stable locking during use while enabling easy release and re-adjustment of the telescopic pole length, maintaining both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient tab (element 70) is designed to deflect in advance under compressional force, preventing over-tightening before it occurs. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the locking mechanism provides sufficient stability without permanently fixing the pole, preserving telescopic adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a resilient tab is added to prevent over-tightening, then the protection of the second pole is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecond pole protectionVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the resilient tab (element 70) with the existing locking mechanism structure, integrating the protective function into the current design rather than adding a completely separate component. This reduces overall complexity while still providing protection against over-tightening and pole deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 new locking mechanism prevents over-tightening and deformation, allowing for secure yet adjustable telescopic connection between poles, ensuring the first pole can be easily extended or retracted.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient planar tab (70) that flexes to allow the catch (682) to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second pole (198)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first C shaped sleeve 606 can be deformed using a bolt 610 which passes through the flaps 612 in such a manner that the width of the gap 608 can be decreased from the pre-set width, reducing the size of the pre-set cross-sectional area of the first C shaped sleeve. When no force is applied by the bolt 610, the first C shaped sleeve 606 reverts to the pre-set shape with the width of the gap 608 reverting to the pre-set distance.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP3858543B1Pole sander
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP3858543B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3858543B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3858543B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A power tool comprising: a telescopic pole comprising at least two poles (196, 198), a first pole (196) capable of telescoping in and out of a second pole (198) wherein the second pole comprises at least one recess (694); a locking mechanism (200) capable of locking the position of the first pole (196) relative to the second pole (198), the locking mechanism (200) comprising: a first section (602) capable of connecting to the second pole (198) and a second section (604) capable of connecting to the first pole (196); wherein the first section (602) comprises: a sheaf (670) which is capable of mounting on and surrounding at least part of the second pole (198); a resilient tab (678) connected to the sheaf (670); a catch (682) formed on the tab (678); wherein the catch locates within the recess when the sheaf is mounted on the second pole.