Telescoping Support Stand Trigger Lock for One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping support stands face issues with slow height adjustments due to cumbersome locking mechanisms, accidental trigger activation, and restricted airflow, which hinder quick and efficient height changes, often requiring two hands and causing resistance.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping support stand design featuring a handle-mounted trigger that actuates a release assembly within the connection housing, allowing the inner and outer tubes to move longitudinally, with a locking mechanism that includes a truncated cone member and bearings to facilitate airflow and prevent accidental activation, enabling one-handed adjustments and reduced resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal lock is used to secure the inner tube to the outer tube, then the stand can be sealed to keep water and debris out, but air flow between the tubes is restricted causing vacuum and dampening effects
Solution Approach 1:
The internal lock is segmented into multiple components including a lock body, plunger, spring, and air passage. The air passage is specifically designed as a separate channel that allows air to flow through the lock mechanism, preventing vacuum effects while maintaining the sealing function of the lock when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The air passage acts as an intermediary element within the lock mechanism. It provides a dedicated pathway for air to move between the inner and outer tubes, mediating between the need for a secure seal and the need for air flow during tube extension and retraction.
2Ease of operation
If a trigger is placed on the handle for quick adjustments, then one-handed operation is enabled, but accidental trigger activation may occur during use
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism uses spring-loaded plungers that are dynamically biased to engage with detents on the tubes. The trigger itself is spring-loaded, requiring deliberate pressure to activate. This dynamic design allows quick intentional activation while preventing accidental triggering during normal handle manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is pre-positioned with spring-loaded plungers that are ready to engage with detents on the inner and outer tubes. When the trigger is pulled, these plungers are already in position to quickly disengage and allow tube movement, enabling rapid adjustment without requiring the user to manually position components.
3Device complexity
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the stand structure is simple, but the time required to make height adjustments is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plungers automatically engage with detents on the tubes when the trigger is released, providing self-locking without requiring additional user action. The springs continuously apply force to keep the plungers engaged, allowing the mechanism to maintain its locked state autonomously once triggered.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and releasing functions are merged into a single trigger operation. Pulling the trigger simultaneously releases both the inner tube lock and outer tube lock, coordinating both actions in one motion. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate operations required for height adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping support stand comprising handle mounted below a connection housing and a plurality of extendable legs pivotably engaged near the top of the connection housing.