Rotating Flagpole Structure to Prevent Flag Wrapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flagpoles suffer from flag wrapping around the pole due to wind and water droplets dripping from the flag and pole onto the wall, causing damage.

Innovation Solution

A flagpole design with two longitudinally connected tubes that rotate relative to each other, featuring a fixed first tube attached to a pole holder and a second tube for the flag, equipped with bearings and a connecting pole for adjustment, along with drip-off elements to prevent water damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a flag is fixed to a rigid pole, then the flagpole structure is simple and stable, but the flag wraps around the pole due to wind

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflag position stabilityVSAvoidpole structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flagpole rotatable rather than completely fixed. The pole can rotate around its longitudinal axis within a limited range, allowing it to adapt to wind direction changes dynamically. This is achieved through a bearing mechanism that enables controlled rotation while maintaining overall stability, thus preventing the flag from wrapping around the pole without requiring a completely complex adjustable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the flagpole is fixed rigidly to the wall, then the mounting structure is simple, but water droplets drip from the tip and flag onto the wall causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structure simplicityVSAvoidwater damage to wall
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the dynamics principle by enabling the flagpole to rotate freely in response to wind, which prevents water accumulation and dripping. The rotatable mechanism allows water to shed naturally as the pole changes orientation, eliminating the need for complex drip prevention structures while protecting the wall from water damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the flagpole allows rotation to prevent flag wrapping, then flag position stability improves, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflag display stabilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotatable mounting mechanism that allows the flagpole to rotate around its longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability enables the flag to maintain proper display orientation despite wind forces, improving flag display stability without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms. The rotation is facilitated by a bearing system integrated into the mounting bracket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the rotation function directly into the mounting bracket structure, combining the support and rotation capabilities in a single integrated component. This reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate rotation mechanisms, achieving both stability and simplicity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Prevents flag wrapping and water damage by allowing the flag tube to rotate and incorporating drip-off elements, enhancing stability and protection against weather effects.

Implementation Method 1

Each bearing means 7 can be a sliding bearing, rolling bearing, or similar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4102009B1flagpole
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 NOVAK JAKOB
  • EP4102009B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4102009B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention refers to a flagpole, preferably a rigid flagpole, which can be mounted on the external wall of a building or similar. The rigid pole comprises at least two longitudinally connected tubes arranged to rotate against each other, first tube (5) and second tube (6), whereby the ability of the tubes (5, 6) to rotate against each other is achieved by one, preferably at least two, optionally more, bearing means (7), which are fixed individually or in pairs longitudinally inside each of the tubes (5, 6), which are mutually fixed in position by means of a connecting pole (8) extending approximately along the entire length of the pole (1), whereby the second tube (6) comprises a flange at its free end (13) that comprises the end element (12), and whereby the pole (1) features at least one additional drip-off element (15).