Retractable Flagpole Assembly Tangle Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractable flagpoles with swivel pivot holders face issues where the holders become a barrier when trying to insert multiple parts, preventing the flag from tangling but also obstructing the retractable mechanism, and existing designs do not allow for a retractable pole without flag tangling.
Innovation Solution
A retractable flagpole assembly featuring a top pivot holder, end block, link, and lower pivot holder with locking mechanisms, including axial through holes and stop edges, and an anchor for secure flag attachment and synchronized rotation to prevent tangling, allowing for easy extension and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If swivel pivot holders are used to prevent flag tangling, then the flag can be secured without tangling, but the holders become a barrier that prevents the top piece of the retractable pole from being inserted into the other parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the swivel pivot holder function from the main pole structure and relocates it to the flag attachment mechanism. The flag is attached to the end block through a swivel pivot holder that allows the flag to rotate freely, preventing tangling. This separation removes the obstacle from the pole's telescopic path, allowing smooth extension and retraction while maintaining flag tangle prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an end block as an intermediary component between the flag attachment mechanism and the pole structure. The end block houses the swivel pivot holder and acts as a mediator that enables both functions: preventing flag tangling through the swivel mechanism and facilitating pole extension/retraction by providing a clear path for the telescopic sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable pole with multiple parts is used, then the pole can be extended and retracted, but the swivel pivot holders become a barrier that stops the top piece from being inserted into the other parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flag attachment function and the pole support function into a single integrated end block assembly. The end block combines the swivel pivot holder, flag attachment mechanism, and pole support structure into one unified component that performs multiple functions simultaneously, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining both retractable functionality and flag tangle prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The end block is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it supports the retractable pole sections, houses the swivel pivot holder for flag attachment, prevents flag tangling through rotation, and facilitates smooth extension and retraction. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable flagpole assembly includes a retractable flagpole, a top pivot holder rotatably capped on the top rod of the retractable flagpole and provided with a hanging lug for securing an inner top end of a flag, an end block spaced below the lower pivot holder and provided with a hanging lug for securing an inner bottom end of the flag, a link coupled between the top pivot holder and the end block, and a lower pivot holder rotatably sleeved onto the retractable flagpole and axially movable along the link and lockable to the end block.