Pole Support With Friction Outriggers for Pool Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pole supports for pool and spa maintenance tools are cumbersome, time-consuming to install, and can compromise the functional characteristics of the tools, often leading to the tools slipping and falling into the pool or spa.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pole support with a support base and outriggers that securely attach to the outer surface of the pole, featuring a friction material to enhance holding and a quick-release fastener system, allowing easy installation and use on various tool sizes and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pole supports are permanently installed on deck or fence using screws or bolts, then the support structure is stable and secure, but the installation is time-consuming and requires compromising the structural integrity of the pole
Solution Approach 1:
The pole support device is divided into separate modular components: a support base, outriggers with friction material, and a fastener system. These segments can be independently assembled and adjusted, allowing quick installation without permanent modifications to the pole or deck structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support base and outriggers are pre-configured with friction material and fastening mechanisms before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be quickly attached to the pole and positioned on the deck without time-consuming assembly or structural modifications during installation.
2Reliability
If conventional pole supports are permanently fixed to the pole using screws or bolts, then the support is secure, but the functional characteristics of telescoping poles are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support device attaches to the pole as a separate modular unit rather than permanently fixing to it. The support base circumferentially engages the pole through friction and fastening mechanisms, allowing the pole to maintain its telescoping functionality while the support remains securely attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The support base acts as an intermediary between the pole and the outriggers. It provides a mounting surface that circumferentially engages the pole through friction material and fasteners, transferring loads without compromising the pole's ability to telescope while maintaining secure support attachment.
3Reliability
If the pole support uses a complex fastener system, then the attachment is secure, but the installation and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic positioning and securing of the support base to the pole. The fasteners can be easily tightened or loosened to accommodate different pole diameters and achieve secure attachment without complex assembly procedures.
4Reliability
If the outriggers lack friction material, then the structure is simpler, but the holding capability on surface ledges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Friction material is applied locally to the specific contact surfaces of the outriggers that engage with the pool deck or surface ledges. This localized enhancement of friction properties provides superior holding capability at the critical contact points without requiring friction material throughout the entire device structure.
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 pole support effectively prevents tools from slipping and falling into the pool or spa, providing a convenient and secure solution for maintaining tools in an elevated position, reducing user effort and tool damage.
Implementation Method 1
The outriggers may include a friction material that is disposed on each outrigger to enhance the coefficient of friction for each outrigger to provide a firm, holding feature of the outriggers
Data Source
AI summary
A pole support removably attachable to pole of a pool/spa maintenance tool to prevent the maintenance tool from slipping and falling into the pool. The pole support includes a support base, a pair of outriggers extending upwards and outwards from the support base, and an adjustable fastener system for attaching the support base to selective areas along the longitudinal outer surface of the pole. The outriggers may include a straight and/or curved configuration, and a friction material, to further enhance the gripping features of the outriggers when positioning the outriggers on a surface to secure the maintenance tool in place.