Telescopic Safety Strut Automatic Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety struts require user operation to insert fixation pins, exposing the user to risk when stabilizing unstable and heavy loads, as they need to be near the load for an extended time to prevent unexpected movement.
Innovation Solution
The safety strut features radially extending blocking bodies in a groove between the outer casing and extension member, which automatically clamp and provide high frictional resistance to prevent movement into the compact position, allowing for automatic stabilization without user intervention, and can be adjusted to any extended position using a drive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixation pins are inserted through openings in the outer casing to fix the extending part and outer casing relative to each other, then the safety strut prevents unexpected movement to the compact starting position, but the user must be in the vicinity of the possibly unstable load for a longer time to perform the insertion operation, increasing the risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking bodies automatically engage with the groove surfaces when the extension member is in the extended position, clamping between the outer casing and extension member to prevent retraction. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for manual insertion of fixation pins, allowing the user to remain at a safe distance from the unstable load while achieving the same reliability of preventing unexpected movement.
2Reliability
If blocking bodies clamp in a shallow part of the groove between the outer casing and extension member, then high frictional resistance occurs to prevent movement into the compact position, but the device requires a complex groove structure with varying depth
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is designed with varying depth along its axial length, creating different clamping zones. When the extension member is extended, blocking bodies engage the shallow part of the groove where contact with both the outer casing and extension member surfaces generates high frictional resistance. The dynamic positioning of blocking bodies within the groove allows automatic engagement of the friction-resistant shallow zone during normal operation, while the deeper portions remain accessible for controlled release when needed.
3Extent of automation
If the blocking bodies are provided all around in a groove that extends radially and increases in depth, then automatic blocking is achieved with high frictional resistance, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple blocking bodies are distributed uniformly around the circumference of the groove, all engaging the same shallow clamping zone simultaneously. This homogeneous arrangement ensures that the frictional resistance is distributed evenly around the extension member, providing stable automatic blocking. The radial symmetry of the groove design with consistent depth progression allows standard manufacturing tolerances to be applied, reducing the overall precision requirements compared to asymmetric or variable-depth groove configurations.
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 solution ensures the safety strut stabilizes loads automatically, reducing user risk and allowing for continuous adjustment between positions without the need for manual operation, while maintaining durability and ease of manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking bodies clamp in a shallow part of the groove between a main surface of the outer casing and a main surface of the extension member in order to block at least a movement of the extension member into the space inside the outer casing... a relatively high frictional resistance occurs between the blocking body and the main surfaces of the extending part and the outer casing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A safety device 1 comprises a telescopic tubular body 2 with an axial space which is bounded by an outer casing 3 and through which an extending part 4 is axially movable. The outer casing 3 and the extending part 4 are adjustable relative to each other between a relatively compact starting position and at least one extended position. At least one blocking body 7 is provided in the space between the outer casing 3 and the extending part 4 which blocks a movement of the extending part 4 into the outer casing 3, while the at least one blocking body 7 allows a reverse movement of the extending part out of the outer casing.