Offset-Hinge Telescopic Pole Clamp for Easy Length Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic poles for cleaning implements lack ergonomic design and effective locking mechanisms, making it difficult to adjust length and secure poles relative to each other, especially for high-access cleaning tasks.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates clamps with pin and locking extensions arranged alternately, a pivot handle with an offset hinge, and a multi-lobe geometry, allowing for adjustable length and secure attachment of nested poles through a clamp system that engages with clamping apertures and locking protrusions, enabling easy extension and retraction while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing telescopic poles are used, then the cleaning implement can reach certain locations, but the pole lacks ergonomic design and effective locking mechanisms making it difficult to adjust length and secure poles
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic pole is divided into multiple nested pole sections that can be independently adjusted. Each section can be extended or retracted separately, allowing granular length adjustment. The clamp assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (locking arm, cam member, button mechanism) that work independently but coordinate together, making the overall system easier to operate despite its complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable system. The locking arm can move between engaged and disengaged positions, the cam member rotates to provide different locking angles, and the spring provides continuous adaptive pressure. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to adapt to different pole lengths and configurations, improving ease of adjustment.
2Length of moving object
If existing telescopic poles are used, then the pole can be extended for high-access cleaning, but the locking mechanism requires high clamping force to secure poles relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member features a curved cam surface that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force. The curved geometry provides mechanical advantage, allowing a small rotational input force to generate a large linear output force that secures the pole sections. This curvature eliminates the need for high continuous clamping force while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional high-force friction-based clamping mechanism is replaced with a cam-based positive locking system. The cam member engages with the locking arm to provide geometric locking rather than relying solely on friction and high clamping force. This substitution reduces the force requirements while maintaining security of the connection.
3Strength
If existing telescopic poles are used, then the pole structure is simple, but it lacks ergonomic shape and effective locking for secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated clamp assembly. The locking arm, cam member, spring, and button work together as one coordinated unit to provide both securing and length adjustment functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and fasteners needed, strengthening the overall attachment while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly components are nested within each other - the locking arm rotates within the clamp body, the cam member is positioned within the locking arm's path, and the button operates within the cam mechanism. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a compact integrated structure, providing strong secure attachment without excessive external complexity.
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
This solution provides an ergonomic and adjustable telescopic pole system that accommodates user height and reach, ensuring secure attachment of cleaning implements to poles, facilitating effective cleaning of hard-to-reach areas with reduced clamping force requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot handle operably connected to the body, the pivot handle having a lever arm that extends from an offset hinge, the offset hinge defining a hinge axis, and a pivot pin passing through the one or more pin extensions of the body and the offset hinge of the pivot handle, the pivot pin defining a pivot axis. The hinge axis and the pivot axis are parallel but offset from each other, and the one or more locking extensions are arranged to be actuated by the offset hinge as the pivot handle is rotated about the pivot axis of the pivot pin
Data Source
AI summary
Telescoping pole systems and clamps thereof are described. The clamps include a body having one or more pin extensions and one or more locking extensions. The pin extensions and the locking extensions are arranged in an alternating manner. A pivot handle is operably connected to the body and has a lever arm that extends from an offset hinge, the offset hinge defining a hinge axis. A pivot pin passes through the one or more pin extensions of the body and the offset hinge of the pivot handle. The pivot pin defines a pivot axis. The hinge axis and the pivot axis are parallel but offset from each other and the one or more locking extensions are arranged to be actuated by the offset hinge as the pivot handle is rotated about the pivot axis of the pivot pin. The poles of such systems may be multi-lobed.