Telescopic Rod Locking Mechanism for Balanced Up-Down Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rod fixing devices require significant force differences to move rods upward and downward due to uneven weight distribution, leading to uncomfortable operation.
Innovation Solution
A rod fixing device with a locking mechanism featuring a stopper, holder, and elastic member that generates a consistent frictional force, allowing the rod to be moved upward or downward with equal force by adjusting the stopper's contact with the inner surface of the second rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional rod fixing device is used, then the rod can be locked in position, but the operating force required to move the rod upward is significantly larger than that required to move it downward
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member (spring) acts as a counterweight mechanism that provides an upward elastic force to balance the downward gravitational force on the moving rod. This counterbalancing allows the rod to be moved upward and downward with substantially equal force, eliminating the large force difference in conventional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the elastic force parameter of the spring to match the weight of the moving rod and installation. By changing the physical parameter (elastic force) to counterbalance the gravitational force, the operating force consistency is achieved between upward and downward movements.
2Ease of operation
If the moving rod is moved upward against gravity, then the rod can be repositioned, but the weight of the installation and moving rod creates a large force requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member functions as a counterweight mechanism that generates an upward force equal to the weight of the moving rod and installation. This counterbalancing force eliminates the need to overcome the full weight during upward movement, making operation easy in both directions.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to prevent unexpected rod movement, then rod stability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates automatically based on the position of the moving rod. When the rod moves downward beyond the stopper's contact point, the elastic force automatically pushes the stopper against the fixed rod to prevent further movement. This self-service locking eliminates the need for complex external locking controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the moving rod and the fixed rod. It translates the elastic force from the spring into a locking force against the fixed rod, providing a simple yet effective locking mechanism without complex components.
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 comfortable and consistent operation of rods in both directions by maintaining a balanced frictional force, reducing the effort required for movement and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which gives an elastic force for generating a fixing frictional force between the first rod and the second rod
Implementation Method 2
generating a fixing frictional force between the first rod and the second rod
Data Source
AI summary
Rod fixing device with the same force irrespective of whether movement of a rod is up or down. A locking mechanism moves with a first rod inside a second rod and a stopper having a contacting surface portion contacting an inner circumferential surface of the second rod. A holder which rotatably holds the stopper so that the contacting surface portion contacts the inner circumferential surface of the second rod, and a spring imparts the stopper with a forces generating a fixing frictional force between the first rod and the second rod by causing the contacting surface portion to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second rod. Movement of the first rod toward one side causes the contacting surface portion to rotate toward a side separating from the inner circumferential surface of the second rod, and movement of the first rod toward the other side is a movement against the fixing frictional force.