Portable Flagpole Securing Device with Segmented Extension Pole
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying and securing flagpoles and other elongate items are labor-intensive, pose safety risks, and disrupt the environment due to the need for ladders and large vehicles, while previous solutions have not adequately addressed portability, ease of use, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A portable securing device with a modular extension pole and sliding member that allows for secure placement and removal of elongate items at heights greater than five feet without ladders, featuring a guide for alignment and a reinforcing member for structural integrity, which can be attached to a cart for enhanced portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ladder is used to deploy flagpoles at height, then the flagpole can be placed in the holder, but the method becomes labor-intensive and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple separable components: a base unit with flagpole holder, an extension pole that can be detached, and a mounting bracket. This segmentation allows the heavy lifting equipment to remain on the ground while only the lightweight flagpole needs to be elevated, eliminating ladder-related safety risks and labor intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension pole acts as an intermediary tool that transfers the flagpole from ground level to the mounted holder. The base unit with holder serves as another intermediary that receives the flagpole and secures it at the desired height without requiring personnel to work at elevation.
2Reliability
If a large vehicle or bucket truck is used to move equipment, then the flagpole can be deployed at height, but traffic is disrupted and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a compact base unit and a separate extension pole, the invention eliminates the need for large vehicles. The base unit with integrated holder can be manually positioned near the mounting location, and the pole extended as needed, thereby avoiding traffic disruption and reducing carbon footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the heavy lifting function from the deployment system by keeping all equipment on the ground. Only the lightweight flagpole itself needs to reach elevation, which is achieved through the extension mechanism rather than transporting heavy equipment to height, thus eliminating the need for bucket trucks.
3Reliability
If a fixed brace holder is used, then the flagpole is securely held, but the device lacks portability
Solution Approach 1:
The holder system is segmented into a permanent mounting bracket attached to the structure and a removable base unit that can be easily positioned and repositioned. This allows the securing mechanism to remain fixed and secure while the overall system maintains portability through the separable design.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods, and systems for securing elongate items including but not limited to a device comprising a grabber portion having a loading zone and a sliding member; an actuator connected to the sliding member; and an extension portion comprising a pole; where the sliding member is biased toward the loading zone in an unactuated state, and the actuator is configured to move the sliding member so that the loading zone is open to receive an elongate item while the sliding member is in an actuated state.