Telescopic Handle Locking Mechanism with Spreading Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing locking mechanisms for telescopic handles face issues with incomplete release of clamping, leading to restricted movement and potential sticking due to material elasticity, especially after prolonged use, and the use of soft plastics with high friction coefficients exacerbates this problem.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of spreading elements that actively move the clamping parts away from the telescopic handle in the release direction, allowing for unhindered movement and rotation by exerting a spreading force, and the use of soft plastics on the inside with harder plastics on the outside to manage friction effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the clamping part is made of soft plastic with high friction coefficient to improve clamping effect, then the clamping force is improved, but the inner tube movement and rotation are impeded due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping part is designed with different materials on different surfaces: soft plastic on the inner surface that contacts the telescopic handle to provide high friction and strong clamping, while harder plastic with low friction coefficient is used on the outer surface that contacts the spreading elements to reduce friction during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping part is divided into functional zones with different material properties - the inner clamping surface uses soft plastic for high friction engagement, while the outer sliding surface uses hard plastic for low friction movement, allowing each surface to optimize its function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer sleeve is moved in the release direction to allow tube movement, then the telescopic handle can be adjusted, but the clamping jaw pair remains in contact with the inner tube due to material elasticity, causing rubbing and restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The spreading elements are designed to actively push the clamping part away from the telescopic handle in the release direction before the outer sleeve completes its movement, preemptively counteracting the elastic tendency of the clamping material to remain in contact and preventing rubbing during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spreading elements act as intermediary components between the outer sleeve and the clamping part, transmitting the release movement and actively forcing the clamping part away from the inner tube to ensure complete separation and free movement
3Ease of operation
If the clamping part is actively moved away from the telescopic handle using spreading elements, then complete release and free movement are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spreading elements are integrated into the existing outer sleeve structure rather than being separate components, combining the release function with the existing mechanical structure to minimize additional complexity while achieving complete clamping release
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
Ensures a strong clamping effect while allowing complete release and unhindered movement of the telescopic handle tubes, preventing dragging and ensuring free rotation, even after prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
The spreading elements exert a spreading force on the clamping element, actively pushing the clamping surface of the clamping element, which rests against the surface of the telescopic shaft in the clamping position, radially away from the shaft surface
Implementation Method 2
the problem arises that the pair of clamping jaws moves away from the inner tube, against which it was previously positioned, only by its own force, in particular due to its inherent material elasticity
Implementation Method 3
a soft plastic can be used on the inside of the clamping element, while a harder plastic with a low coefficient of friction can be used on the outside of the clamping element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The locking mechanism has an outer portion (11), an inner portion and a clamping element (15'). The outer portion and the inner portion are displaced relative to each other in a clamping direction and in release direction (L) that is opposite to the clamping direction. A spreading element (14) is acted against the clamping element, particularly for moving the clamping element away from the telescopic arm, when the outer portion and the inner portion are moved relative to each other in the release direction. The clamping portion is pivoted at the locking mechanism in freely movable manner.