Cross-country ski pole handle with angled latching mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pole handles for walking, trekking, Alpine ski, and Nordic walking poles face issues with dirt and snow penetration into the latching mechanism, leading to potential blockage due to ice formation and difficulty in releasing the hand-retaining device, especially with asymmetric designs that require use of the other hand or skilled handling.
Innovation Solution
A pole handle design featuring a hook-like device with a holding mandrel offset from the handle body, inclined at a slight angle, and a latching mechanism with a rotatable locking block and actuating region that prevents dirt and snow ingress, allowing easy thumb or index finger operation for releasing the hand-retaining device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching mechanism is designed with a recess and hook-like device for secure fastening, then the reliability of hand-retaining device attachment is improved, but dirt and snow can penetrate into the slot and gaps, causing the mechanism to block at freezing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane that covers the slot and gaps in the latching mechanism. This membrane acts as a protective barrier that prevents dirt and snow from penetrating into the internal components while still allowing the mechanism to function. The flexible nature of the membrane enables it to accommodate the movement of the latching components without compromising the seal.
2Device complexity
If the release button is positioned in a recess for structural integration, then the device complexity is reduced, but access to the release button becomes difficult requiring use of the other hand or skilled handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the release button such that it can be accessed from multiple dimensions and angles. The button is configured to be reachable from the front, side, or top of the handle, allowing users to operate it with their thumb or index finger regardless of hand position. This multi-directional accessibility resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural integration while enabling easy operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the holding mandrel is arranged parallel to the pole handle longitudinal axis for simple manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the introduction of force is less effective compared to an inclined arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slight asymmetry by inclining the holding mandrel at a small angle (β between 0° and 15°) relative to the pole handle longitudinal axis. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the mechanical advantage and force transmission during pole utilization. The inclined position allows for more effective force introduction while maintaining a simple manufacturing process, as the angle is small and can be easily achieved during production.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pole handle (1), in particular for trekking poles, Nordic walking poles, Alpine ski poles, or cross-country ski poles, comprising a handle head (2), a handle body (3), and a hook-like device (4) for securing a handling device. A movable, pivotal, or rotatable latching means (5) is arranged in the region of the hook-like device such that a loop-, ring-, or eye-shaped device, which is provided on the handling device and inserted into the hook-like device substantially from above, is fixed in the hook-like device in a self-latching manner. The latching means is designed in the form of a retaining lug which defines a constrained region (7) for the loop-, ring-, or eye-shaped device towards the bottom in the braced position. Additionally, a recess (8) is provided in the handle head and/or handle body from above, wherein a movably and/or rotatably mounted securing block (9) on or in which the engaging means is arranged is arranged in the recess.