Pole Tip Spring Mechanism for Damping and Telescoping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pole damping systems, particularly those with internal compression coil springs, often obstruct telescopic function and are susceptible to contamination, especially in external clamping systems.
Innovation Solution
A tip body for poles featuring a downwardly closed end attachment with a central receiving opening for the lowermost tube portion, an outer circumferential elastic elastomer spring element, and an upper stop element, which provides axial damping and resistance to contamination through a hermetically sealed design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal compression coil spring is used for damping, then damping function is achieved, but telescopic function is obstructed and contamination susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is extracted from the internal pole structure and relocated to an external tip body assembly. The spring element is positioned in the tip body rather than inside the telescopic tube, allowing the telescopic mechanism to operate freely without obstruction while maintaining effective axial force damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping mechanism is moved from the internal axial space to an external circumferential position in the tip body. This dimensional relocation allows the spring to dampen axial forces without interfering with the telescopic expansion and contraction movements of the pole.
2Reliability
If an internal spring mechanism is used, then damping is provided, but contamination susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is enclosed within the tip body structure, which acts as a protective shell. This enclosure protects the spring from direct exposure to contaminants such as dirt, moisture, and debris while still allowing the spring to perform its damping function through controlled axial compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is extracted from the vulnerable internal pole cavity and relocated to the protected tip body environment, removing it from the contamination-prone telescopic joint area while maintaining its damping capability.
3Reliability
If a damping device is added to the pole, then axial force damping is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is merged with the tip body structure, combining two separate functions (damping and tip protection) into a single integrated assembly. This reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate internal damping mechanisms and simplifying the pole construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip body is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural protection for the pole tip, houses the damping spring mechanism, and maintains a compact overall structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity.
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 solution effectively dampens axial forces while maintaining telescopic functionality and resisting contamination, making it suitable for both internal and external clamping systems.
Implementation Method 1
an outer circumferential elastic elastomer spring element which connects axially above an upper end of the end attachment and engages around the lowermost tube portion of the pole body... Said elastomer spring element damps and cushions an axial relative movement of the lowermost tube portion of the pole body relative to the end attachment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pole, such as a Nordic walking pole, at the lower free end of which a tip body is provided, which has an end attachment, which is closed at the bottom and which has a central accommodating opening for accommodating a bottommost tube segment of the pole body. Furthermore, the tip body has an outer circumferential elastic elastomer spring element, which is connected axially above an upper end of the end attachment and which reaches around the bottommost tube segment of the pole body or a middle axial segment of the insertion element at least partially in the circumferential direction and which damps an axial relative motion of the bottommost tube segment of the pole body and/or of the insertion element in relation to the end attachment when an axial force is applied.