Pole Support With Gravity-Latched Socket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadside sign support poles are difficult to maintain and replace due to their embedded nature, requiring cumbersome on-site repairs that can be delayed by weather and pose safety risks to workers, as well as being prone to damage from traffic accidents.
Innovation Solution
A pole support system featuring a hollow tubular design with a latching mechanism that allows for easy removal and replacement, including a socket with a pivotally mounted latch and guide annuluses for secure insertion and extraction, facilitated by a release rod to pivot the latch into an unlatched position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the support pole is embedded in concrete foundation, then the pole is securely fixed and stable, but the pole becomes difficult to remove and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the pole support system into two separate components: a reusable pole and a reusable base unit. The base unit contains a socket that receives the pole, and they are connected through a latching mechanism rather than permanent embedding. This segmentation allows the pole to be easily removed and replaced without disturbing the foundation, while the base unit remains securely installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the pole from the concrete foundation embedding and replaces it with a socket-based mounting system. The pole is taken out of the permanent embedded state and instead inserted into a socket on the base unit, which is itself embedded in the foundation. This extraction allows the pole to be freely removable while the base unit provides the stable foundation connection.
2Loss of time
If on-site repair is performed, then maintenance can be done immediately, but the work is cumbersome and delayed by weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention treats the pole as a replaceable component that can be quickly swapped out when damaged or needing maintenance. Rather than performing complex repairs on-site, the entire pole can be removed and replaced with a new or refurbished pole from inventory. This approach is more efficient than attempting on-site repairs for pole damage.
3Ease of repair
If pole replacement is required, then damaged poles can be replaced, but considerable effort is required to dig up foundations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pole support system so that the pole is separate from the foundation-embedded base unit. The base unit contains the socket and latching mechanism, and remains permanently installed in the foundation. When pole replacement is needed, only the pole itself needs to be removed from the socket, not the entire foundation structure. This eliminates the need to dig up foundations for pole replacement.
4Productivity
If workers perform roadside maintenance, then repairs can be conducted, but worker safety is compromised due to proximity to traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables quick pole replacement so that maintenance work can be completed rapidly during brief traffic control periods. The simplicity of removing and replacing poles minimizes the time workers need to be exposed to traffic hazards, thereby improving safety while maintaining productivity.
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
Enables safer and more efficient maintenance and replacement of sign support poles by allowing removal from a central location, reducing the need for on-site repairs and minimizing exposure to traffic hazards.
Implementation Method 1
A centre-of-weight of the latch is located off-centre from the pivot in the ballast arm. The ballast arm is configured to normally bias latch into the latched position.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a pole support for removably supporting a hollow tubular pole, wherein the pole has a latching recess provided along its length. The pole support includes a housing defining a socket that is open at its operative upper end for receiving the pole. A latch is located within the socket and is mounted on a pivot to be pivotally movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch has a latching arm extending on one side of the pivot and a ballast arm extending on an opposed side of the pivot, wherein a centre-of-weight of the latch is located off-centre from the pivot in the ballast arm so that ballast arm normally biases latch under gravity into its latched position.