Segmented Mast Lowering via Detachable Rings and Grooves

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lowering/raising pole and mast constructions are complex and costly due to intricate bending systems, necessitating high production costs and complicating safe access to upper parts for maintenance, particularly in lighting applications.

Innovation Solution

A lowering/raising pole or mast design featuring detachably connected longitudinal tubular elements with permanently fixed rings and circumferential grooves for unslidably mounting a lowering/raising device on the outside, allowing for simplified and cost-effective operation with a single portable device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If complex bending systems with servo-motors or hydraulic mechanisms are used to enable lowering/raising of poles or masts, then the ability to access upper parts for maintenance is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to upper parts for maintenanceVSAvoidbending system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pole or mast is divided into multiple detachable tubular sections that can be connected and disconnected. This segmentation allows the upper part to be lowered to ground level by detaching from the lower part, providing easy access for maintenance without requiring complex bending mechanisms. The rings with circumferential grooves on each tubular section enable simple connection and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of bending the pole or mast to access the upper part (the conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the pole straight and detachable. The upper part is lowered to ground level through detachment and repositioning, making maintenance accessible at ground level rather than requiring the pole to bend or tilt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If complex bending systems with servo-motors or hydraulic mechanisms are used to enable lowering/raising of poles or masts, then the ability to access upper parts for maintenance is improved, but the production costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to upper parts for maintenanceVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pole or mast is divided into multiple detachable tubular sections that can be connected and disconnected. This segmentation allows the upper part to be lowered to ground level by detaching from the lower part, providing easy access for maintenance without requiring complex bending mechanisms. The rings with circumferential grooves on each tubular section enable simple connection and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive components such as rings with circumferential grooves and basic fastening mechanisms instead of expensive servo-motors or hydraulic systems. These simple components can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining the functionality of lowering/raising the pole or mast.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If detachable tubular elements with circumferential grooves are used for lowering/raising, then production costs are reduced and device complexity is simplified, but the reliability of connection between parts must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection system complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rings are equipped with circumferential grooves at specific locations where connection is needed. These grooves provide localized engagement features that ensure reliable connection between tubular sections. The grooves are positioned and dimensioned to distribute loads appropriately and prevent slippage, maintaining connection reliability despite the simplified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The circumferential grooves on the rings are designed to automatically engage with corresponding features on adjacent tubular sections when connected. This self-aligning and self-locking mechanism ensures reliable connection without requiring complex fastening procedures or additional components, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2031155B1Lowering or rising pole or mast and device for lowering or rising thereof.

Publication Date: 2012.03.21 ROSA

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AI summary

A device for lowering/raising the upper part (4) of a separable pole or mast (1) comprising two hinged (12) clamping rings (11) fastening the outside surface of said pole or mast (1) by opening respectively closing one halfring, a lug assembly (20) located opposite to the hinge (12) connecting the rings (11), and a lowering/raising mechanism (23) in the form of a two-way axial movement drive fastened to guiding units (22) located on pins (21) in the lug assemblies (20) permanently connected with said clamping rings (11). A lowering/rising pole or mast (1) is also disclosed, comprising a lower part (3) and a upper part (4) detachably connected together, the joining area having on each pole-part a permanently connected ring (5), the ring being equipped with means for mounting a lowering/raising device (10) for the upper part (4) of the pole or mast (1).