Rotational Boss Locking in Telescopic Tripod Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopic devices and tripods with spring fastener lock mechanisms are prone to noise and part loss, and have limited adjustable length due to small parts and fixed extension mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic device with an outer pipe, inner pipe, and sleeve, featuring integrally formed bosses on the outer pipe and sleeve for locking, a positioning sleeve for length adjustment, and a dual-lock configuration to prevent part loss and enhance operational convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring fastener lock mechanism is used, then the telescopic device can be locked, but it makes noise and small parts may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring fastener components (screw, spring, pad) and replaces them with an integrated boss structure. The boss on the outer pipe engages directly with the inner pipe through rotational movement, eliminating the spring mechanism that caused noise and part loss while maintaining locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged into the structural bosses that are integral to the outer and inner pipes. Instead of a separate spring fastener assembly, the bosses themselves perform both structural support and locking functions through their geometric engagement, reducing part count and eliminating noise-generating components.
2Reliability
If a spring fastener lock mechanism is used, then the telescopic device can be locked, but small parts may be lost easily
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the structural bosses that are integral to the outer and inner pipes. Instead of a separate spring fastener assembly, the bosses themselves perform both structural support and locking functions through their geometric engagement, reducing part count and eliminating noise-generating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the spring fastener components (screw, spring, pad) and replaces them with an integrated boss structure. The boss on the outer pipe engages directly with the inner pipe through rotational movement, eliminating the spring mechanism that caused noise and part loss while maintaining locking functionality.
3Reliability
If the outer pipe is formed with a plurality of engaging holes, then the lock mechanism can engage, but the extension length cannot be adjusted at will
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static engaging holes with a dynamic rotational locking mechanism. The boss structure allows continuous rotational adjustment to achieve different extension lengths, while maintaining reliable locking engagement at any position. This transforms the system from discrete fixed positions to continuous adjustable positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into multiple boss structures distributed around the circumference of the pipes. These bosses work together to provide both the locking engagement and the rotational adjustment capability, allowing the system to achieve multiple functions through distributed structural elements.
4Reliability
If a conventional lock mechanism is used, then the telescopic device can be locked, but the operation is not convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The boss structure is designed to automatically engage and disengage through simple rotational movement of the inner pipe relative to the outer pipe. The geometric shape of the bosses creates self-locking and self-unlocking actions without requiring additional操作步骤 or complex mechanisms, greatly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The boss structure is designed to automatically engage and disengage through simple rotational movement of the inner pipe relative to the outer pipe. The geometric shape of the bosses creates self-locking and self-unlocking actions without requiring additional操作步骤 or complex mechanisms, greatly simplifying operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A telescopic device includes an outer pipe (1), an inner pipe (2) fitted in the outer pipe, and a sleeve (3) disposed between the outer pipe and the inner pipe. One end of the inner pipe extends out of the outer pipe. An outer surface of the inner pipe is formed with a slide trough (21). An inner surface of the sleeve is provided with a slide block engaged in the slide trough. At least one lock mechanism is provided between the outer pipe and the sleeve. The lock mechanism comprises two bosses (5) to hold against each other. The two bosses are integrally formed on an inner surface of the outer pipe and an outer surface of the sleeve respectively. The two bosses engage with or disengage from each other when the outer pipe and the inner pipe are turned relatively. The inner and outer pipes of the present invention are turned relatively to bring the two opposing bosses to engage with each so as to lock the telescopic device. The bosses are integrally formed on the outer pipe and the sleeve respectively. The present invention can decrease the parts and avoid loosing parts. The telescopic device can be locked or unlocked by means of rotation, so it is convenient for operation. The present invention is particularly suitable for a telescopic pole of a tripod.