Push-Button Pole Length Locking for Low-Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alpenstocks require significant power and time to adjust length, making them inconvenient for users, especially for those who are weak or elderly, and fail to easily fix the adjusted length.
Innovation Solution
A length adjustment device featuring a handle with a push button, a main pole, an expansion pole, and a length adjustment mechanism that includes a weight transfer means, spin pipe assembly, and clamp assembly, allowing for easy expansion and contraction of the alpenstock length through a single push button operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional length adjustment mechanism is used, then the alpenstock can be adjusted in length, but it requires a large amount of power and time to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses periodic action through the push button that triggers a sequence of movements: the push rod moves down, the clamp rod extracts, the expansion pole expands, then the clamp rod returns and locks the position. This periodic cycle allows easy adjustment with minimal user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rod acts as an intermediary that transfers the user's push force to the clamp rod, which in turn controls the expansion pole. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the user's input force and coordinates the movement of multiple components, reducing the direct power requirement.
2Productivity
If a conventional length adjustment mechanism is used, then the alpenstock can be adjusted in length, but it takes much time to manipulate and fix the adjusted length
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp spring is pre-compressed and stored ready to quickly lock the expansion pole in place. The push button mechanism is pre-positioned to immediately trigger the expansion sequence when pressed, eliminating the need for gradual adjustment and fixing the length rapidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism performs self-service through automatic locking: when the push button is released, the clamp rod automatically returns to its locked position and the clamp spring automatically secures the expansion pole at the desired length, without requiring additional user actions for fixing.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional adjustment mechanism is used, then basic length change is possible, but it is inconvenient for weak users, women, or old men
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical threading system is replaced with a push-button activated clamp mechanism. Instead of requiring users to manually thread and tighten components, the system uses a simple push action that triggers a mechanical advantage system through the push rod and clamp rod, making it accessible to users with limited strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp spring provides a counteracting force that assists the user's push action. The spring is pre-compressed to provide the necessary locking force, so users only need to overcome a small initial resistance rather than providing the full locking force themselves.
Data Source
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AI summary
A length adjustment device is provided. The length adjustment device includes: a handle including a push button; a main pole coupled to the handle; an expansion pole retracted/extracted into/from the main pole; and a length adjustment means enabling the expansion pole to be retracted/extracted into/from the main pole through manipulation of the push button, thereby adjusting the entire length. The length adjustment means includes: a weight transfer means installed at the inside of the main pole, the weight transfer means transferring a weight of the push button; a spin pipe assembly fixedly installed at the inside of the expansion pole; and a clamp assembly installed throughout a boundary between the main pole and the expansion pole, the clamp assembly allowing the spin pipe assembly to maintain a lock state or an unlock state by pressurizing the spin pipe assembly to the outside or by releasing the pressurization.