Telescopic Pole Lock With Resilient Tab to Prevent Over-Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing locking mechanism for telescopic poles in power tools, such as pole sanders, can be over-tightened, leading to excessive compressional force that deforms the second pole, causing it to permanently fix the first pole in place and preventing telescopic adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a sheath and resilient tab that connects to the second pole, featuring a catch that engages with a recess, allowing for adjustable locking without excessive force, ensuring the first pole can telescope in and out safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanism is tightened to secure the first pole to the second pole, then the locking reliability is improved, but excessive compressional force deforms the second pole causing permanent fixation
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient tab acts as an intermediary element between the locking mechanism and the second pole. The tab absorbs excess compressional force through its resilient deformation, preventing this harmful force from being transmitted to the second pole while still maintaining secure locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tab is pre-configured with elastic properties to cushion and absorb excessive compressional force before it can damage the second pole. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful effect of pole deformation while allowing sufficient locking force to be applied.
2Strength
If the locking mechanism uses excessive force to ensure secure locking, then the locking strength is improved, but the telescopic adjustment capability is lost due to permanent fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient tab serves as a mediator that decouples the locking strength from the force transmitted to the pole. It allows strong locking engagement while preventing excessive force from reaching the second pole, thus preserving telescopic adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tab changes its physical state (deforms elastically) under excessive force, transforming the force parameter. This allows the locking mechanism to apply high force for secure locking while the tab's deformation absorbs the excess, preventing permanent fixation and maintaining adaptability.
3Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot prevent pole deformation from over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient tab is a simple intermediary component that adds minimal complexity to the locking mechanism while effectively preventing pole deformation. Its elastic properties provide inherent protection without requiring complex control systems or additional protective structures.
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
The new locking mechanism prevents deformation of the second pole and allows for secure, adjustable locking of the first pole relative to the second pole, enabling smooth telescopic movement and preventing permanent fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient tab connected to the sheath; and a catch formed on the tab, wherein the catch is capable of locating within the recess of a second pole
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool is provided with a telescopic pole including a first pole configured to telescopingly move in an out of a second pole. A locking mechanism is provided including a first section configured to connect to the second pole and a second section configured to connect to the first pole. The first section includes a sheath mountable on and surrounding at least part of the second pole, a resilient tab connected to the sheath, and a catch formed on the tab. The catch is configured to locate within the recess of the second pole when the sheath is mounted on the second pole.