Tapered Column Anchoring for Sporting Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable sporting equipment columns, typically cylindrical and uniformly sized, experience significant strain at the anchoring point with the base when subjected to forces, leading to potential fracture and failure due to the uneven distribution of stress.
Innovation Solution
A tapered column design with a wider diameter at the bottom, which increases in diameter towards the ground, reduces stress by transferring force to the ground rather than the base, and includes notches and recessions for secure attachment, providing greater stability and reducing the likelihood of fracture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform cylindrical column is used to support sporting equipment, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the column experiences significant strain at the anchoring point with the base leading to potential fracture and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The column transitions from a uniform cylindrical shape to a tapered shape where the diameter varies along its length. The larger diameter at the bottom provides enhanced strength and stress distribution at the critical anchoring point, while the upper portion maintains sufficient diameter for structural support. This local variation in geometric properties optimizes both manufacturing feasibility and anchoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The column design changes the geometric parameter of diameter along its length, creating a tapered profile. This parameter change allows the column to have different structural characteristics at different locations - a larger diameter at the base for stress distribution and anchoring stability, and a reduced diameter upward for weight reduction and portability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large base is used to reduce tipping over, then the stability of the equipment is improved, but the equipment becomes more difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The stability function is localized to the base portion of the equipment, which has a larger horizontal footprint to prevent tipping. The column portion above the base maintains a more compact, tapered profile that reduces overall size and weight. This spatial separation of functions - stability at the base, portability in the upper structure - resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of transport.
3Strength
If additional braces are added to fasten the column to the base, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The column design integrates the anchoring function directly into the column structure itself through the tapered shape that fits into a corresponding recess in the base. This merging of the column and base interfaces eliminates the need for separate braces and fastening mechanisms, achieving strong anchoring while maintaining device simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable sporting equipment assembly including a column removably attachable to a base. The column can include a tapered foundation and can be inserted through a bottom of the base. The base includes an opening with a taper that is complimentary to the tapered foundation of the column. One or more horizontal notches can secure the tapered foundation of the column into the base when engaged with one or more horizontal recessions of the opening of the base. The tapered foundation can reduce strain at an interface between the column and the base.