Extendable rod with a twist lock mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional curtain rods are fixed in length, requiring precise measurements and tools for installation, and adjustable rods use hazardous spring mechanisms that can damage surfaces or injure users.
Innovation Solution
An extendable rod with a twist lock mechanism featuring a first and second tube with a locking mechanism that includes a stud, tapered mandrel, bush, and rubber sleeve, allowing length adjustment without tools or drilling, using frictional contact for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to provide tension in adjustable rods, then the rod can be easily expanded to desired length, but the spring may release and cause injury to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring mechanism from the rod assembly, extracting the hazardous component that could cause injury. Instead, a compression member is used that provides tension through a different mechanism, eliminating the risk of spring release while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compression member as an intermediary element between the rod sections. This compression member provides the necessary tension force without using a spring, acting as a safe mediator that eliminates the harmful release effect while maintaining the desired functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to provide tension in adjustable rods, then the rod can be easily expanded, but positioning the rod may scuff or damage the support surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring mechanism that causes surface damage during positioning. By extracting this harmful element and replacing it with a compression member, the rod can be expanded easily without scuffing or damaging the support surfaces.
3Reliability
If fixed-length curtain rods are used, then the rod can be securely mounted against walls, but the rod cannot be adjusted for different window or door sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can slide relative to each other, allowing length adjustment. The locking mechanism segments the adjustment and locking functions, enabling the rod to adapt to different sizes while maintaining secure mounting through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic telescopic structure. The sections can move relative to each other for adjustment, and the locking mechanism provides dynamic locking at desired positions, enabling both adaptability and reliability.
4Ease of operation
If adjustable rods with spring mechanisms are used, then the rod can be expanded without tools, but the spring compression is difficult and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring mechanism that creates compression difficulty and hazard. By extracting the spring and using a compression member instead, the rod maintains tool-free expansion capability while eliminating the difficult and hazardous spring compression step.
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 extendable rod provides versatile length options, easy installation, and secure locking without surface damage, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism is configured between the first tube and the second tube such that rotation of the second tube in a predefined direction with respect to the first tube causes the second tube to move from a first position to a second position away from the first tube and further restrict relative movement between the first tube and the second tube at the second position
Implementation Method 2
a bush configured to be coaxially and rotationally disposed between an outer surface of the stud and an inner wall of the first tube at the open end of the first tube. A first end of the bush comprises internal threads that is adapted to engage with the external threads of the stud
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable rod with a twist lock mechanism. The extendable rod comprises a first tube and a second tube configured to be coaxially disposed within the first tube via an open end of the first tube. The extendable rod comprises a locking mechanism configured between the first tube and the second tube. The locking mechanism is configured between the first tube and the second tube such that rotation of the second tube in a predefined direction with respect to the first tube causes the second tube to move from a first position to a second position away from the first tube and further restrict relative movement between the first tube and the second tube at the second position.