Telescopic Mast Inverted Design for Safe Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic masts in the low-cost segment require excessive force to erect from a horizontal to vertical position, lack safe locking mechanisms, and are prone to accidental collapse, posing ergonomic and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A 'reverse' telescopic mast design with standard profiles, where sections are narrower at the bottom and wider at the top, featuring a spring-loaded pin locking device and a secondary screw locking mechanism for secure height adjustment and weatherproofing, allowing ergonomic handling and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a classic telescopic mast design with widest tube at the bottom is used, then the mast structure is stable, but excessive force is required to erect it from horizontal to vertical position and it lacks safe locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the classic telescopic mast design by making the lower mast section narrower than the upper section. This reversal allows the locking mechanism to engage the outer surface of the inner section from the outside, enabling safe locking without requiring excessive erecting force. The inverted geometry facilitates a more effective locking arrangement while reducing the force needed during mast erection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast is divided into multiple telescopic sections with different cross-sectional dimensions. The lower section has a narrower cross-section than the upper section, creating distinct engagement surfaces for the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the locking arrangement to effectively engage between sections while distributing the mechanical loads more favorably during erection and operation.
2Reliability
If a simple screw locking arrangement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the locking safety is insufficient and accidental collapse can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage the outer surface of the inner mast section from the outside, reversing the conventional approach. This inverted engagement method provides inherently safer locking because the locking element can be positioned to prevent accidental disengagement while maintaining relatively simple construction. The geometry of engagement is reversed to improve safety without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement is designed to prevent accidental collapse before it can occur. The engagement geometry and locking element positioning are configured to resist unintended disengagement forces, providing preliminary protection against the harmful effect of mast section separation and potential collapse.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mast sections are arranged with widest at the bottom, then the structural stability is good, but weatherproofing is compromised due to exposed joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mast geometry so that the upper section has a larger cross-section than the lower section. This reversal allows the upper section to overhang and protect the joint area from direct weather exposure, improving weatherproofing. The inverted configuration enables the locking mechanism to be positioned in a more protected location while maintaining structural stability through proper material selection and joint design.
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 easy and safe vertical deployment with multiple secure locking positions, preventing accidental collapse and providing weatherproof protection, while being cost-effective and ergonomic.
Implementation Method 1
at least one enclosing mast section comprises a spring-loaded pin locking device, arranged to engage with a recess of an inner lying mast section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
Telescopic mast (1) for carrying at least one armature, comprising a plurality of hollow mast sections (21, 22, 23, 24). The plurality of mast sections (21, 22, 23, 24) are telescopically arranged one outside the other and at least one of the mast sections (21, 22, 23, 24) comprises a plurality of recesses (25, 25', 25", 25n), and at least one enclosing mast section (22, 23, 24) comprises at least one first type of locking device (40) which comprises a spring-loaded pin (41) and a spring (42), and a first end (41a) of the pin (41) is arranged to automatically engage with the at least one recess (25) of an inner lying mast section (21, 22, 23) by means of the spring-force from the spring (42), and at least one enclosing mast section (22, 23, 24) comprises a second type of locking device (50), arranged to engage with an outside (26) of an inner lying mast section (21, 22, 23), via a through hole (27) of the enclosing mast section (22, 23, 24).