Swage-Coupled Support Poles for Universal Ceiling Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility assistance devices, such as support poles, face challenges in versatility and ease of assembly, particularly for varying ceiling heights and user mobility limitations, as they often require screws and horizontal assembly, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A universal support pole system comprising swage-coupled cylindrical members and adjustable components that can be assembled without screws, allowing for easy adjustment and secure attachment to different ceiling heights, with a method that enables single-person assembly in sitting and standing positions, minimizing the need for kneeling or horizontal assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional support poles use screw-based assembly methods, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ease of assembly and user accessibility deteriorate due to requiring tools and horizontal assembly positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a swage coupling system. The swage coupling uses a tapered interface that creates friction-based mechanical interlocking when compressed, eliminating the need for screws, bolts, or threading operations. This substitution maintains structural integrity while dramatically simplifying the assembly process to require only axial compression forces that can be applied by hand or simple tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional assembly approach by enabling vertical assembly (standing position) rather than horizontal assembly (kneeling position). The swage coupling mechanism is designed to be assembled from the top down or bottom up in a vertical orientation, allowing users to assemble the support pole while standing upright, which improves accessibility and eliminates the need for floor-level work.
2Manufacturing precision
If support poles are designed for fixed ceiling heights, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but adaptability to different ceiling heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support pole into multiple modular pole members that can be independently manufactured to precise specifications and then assembled in different combinations. The swage coupling joints provide precise, repeatable connection points that maintain structural integrity across different assembly configurations. This segmentation allows the same set of standardized components to accommodate various ceiling heights from six to twelve feet while maintaining manufacturing precision for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an adjustable pole member with telescopic or extendable capabilities that can dynamically change length to accommodate different ceiling heights. The swage coupling system maintains secure mechanical connections across the full range of adjustment, allowing the support pole to adapt its configuration from a fixed six-foot height up to twelve feet or more, providing versatility without compromising structural stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support poles require horizontal assembly on the floor, then assembly stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring kneeling and extensive floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally inverts the assembly orientation from horizontal (floor-based) to vertical (standing-based). The swage coupling mechanism is specifically designed to maintain assembly stability in a vertical orientation, with features such as keyed interfaces or asymmetric tapering that prevent misalignment during vertical assembly. This inversion allows users to assemble the support pole while standing on the floor, eliminating the need to kneel or work at floor level, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining assembly stability through the engineered vertical coupling interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If support poles use universal components for various ceiling heights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple pole members and coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal swage coupling components that can connect any pole member to any other pole member or to the ceiling/floor mounts, regardless of the specific configuration. The same coupling mechanism and interface design are used throughout the entire assembly, creating a standardized system where components are interchangeable and multi-functional. This universality allows a single set of components to accommodate various ceiling heights while keeping the system relatively simple, as users do not need to learn different assembly procedures for different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Universal support poles and kits therefor are disclosed herein. The universal support poles and kits may comprise a ceiling mount and a floor mount. The universal support poles and kits may comprise at least three pole members. The pole members may be swage coupled together. Methods of assembling universal support poles are also disclosed herein.