Spring Grasping Mechanism for Pole Base Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flat box finishers lack a mechanism for quickly and efficiently securing and releasing the base of a pole, which is easy to use and resistant to damage.

Innovation Solution

A spring grasping device on the lid of the flat box finisher that depresses to grasp a flat rectangular edge of the pole and secures it by friction, with optional wing nuts or a knob mechanism for further securing the handle portion, allowing tool-free operation and adaptability in size and platform elevation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional securing mechanism is used, then the base of the pole is securely attached to the lid, but the operation becomes complex and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of securing and releasing baseVSAvoidcomplexity of securing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded grasping device automatically engages with the base of the pole when the lid is closed, securing it without requiring manual intervention or tools. The spring mechanism self-activates through the closing motion itself, eliminating the need for separate securing actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The grasping mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component within the lid structure, allowing it to function independently as an automatic securing device. This separation enables the closing motion to be decoupled from the securing function, with the latter handled automatically by the extracted spring-grasping subsystem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If a simple attachment method is used, then the operation is easy, but the securing strength and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring strength of base attachmentVSAvoidease of securing and releasing base
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring grasping device is pre-loaded and positioned within the lid structure before use. When the lid closes, the spring is already in position to immediately engage the base of the pole, providing instant securing action without requiring additional steps or force application by the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size design is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different pole sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different pole sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grasping mechanism incorporates a spring element that provides dynamic adjustment capability. The spring can compress and expand to accommodate bases of varying heights and dimensions, allowing the same mechanism to adapt to different pole sizes without requiring manual adjustment or multiple configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables quick, efficient, and tool-free securing and releasing of the handle portion, providing a damage-resistant and versatile flat box finisher that can be made in various sizes and utilizes an optional elevated platform for secure attachment.

Implementation Method 1

The mechanism utilizes at least one spring grasping device on the lid of the flat box finisher to grasp and secure the base of the pole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

After the base slides over the grasping mechanism, the grasping mechanism springs back upward and locks the base of the pole into place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Implementation Method 3

grasps a generally flat rectangular edge of the base of the pole and secures the base of the pole to the lid of the flatbox finisher by friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10767375B2Mechanism to secure the base of a pole to the lid of a flat box finisher
Publication Date: 2020.09.08 DRYWALL MASTER TOOLS INC
  • US10767375B2 patent drawing
  • US10767375B2 patent drawing
  • US10767375B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mechanism to secure the base of a pole to the lid of a flatbox finisher is provided. The mechanism utilizes at least one spring grasping device on the lid of the flat box finisher to grasp and secure the base of the pole. The grasping mechanism is depressed and grasps a generally flat rectangular edge of the base of the pole and secures the base of the pole to the lid of the flatbox finisher by friction. In particular, as the base having the pole of the flatbox finisher is first slid over the grasping mechanism, the grasping mechanism is first pushed downward. After the base slides over the grasping mechanism, the grasping mechanism springs back upward and locks the base of the pole into place on the lid of the flatbox finisher.