Telescopic Support Device with Cam Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional safety post installations in construction sites are time-consuming and require special tools, affecting the strength and aesthetic finish of the construction due to the need for manual drilling and bolting.

Innovation Solution

A support device featuring telescopic members with a locking mechanism and resilient biasing means, allowing for easy and secure attachment between a floor and ceiling without the need for bolting, utilizing a cam surface to move the locking portion to an angled position and a safety lock to secure the actuating means in the locked position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional drilling and bolting method is used to attach safety posts, then secure attachment between floor and ceiling is achieved, but installation time increases and special tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the drilling and bolting operations from the attachment process. Instead of creating permanent connections through drilling and bolting, the support device uses a telescopic mechanism with locking portions that can be engaged and disengaged without special tools, eliminating the time-consuming drilling and bolting steps while maintaining secure attachment through mechanical interlocking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic mechanism incorporates self-locking features where locking portions automatically engage with cam surfaces and retainers when the telescopic members are extended, providing secure attachment without requiring manual intervention or special tools for each attachment operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual drilling and bolting is performed, then posts can be securely attached, but the strength and aesthetic finish of the construction is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddamage to construction finish
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the drilling and bolting operations that cause damage to floor and ceiling surfaces. The support device achieves secure attachment through a telescopic mechanism with locking portions that engage without penetrating or fastening into the construction surfaces, thereby preserving both the strength and aesthetic finish of the construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device acts as an intermediary between the floor and ceiling, providing a secure connection through its telescopic mechanism without requiring direct penetration or fastening into the construction surfaces. The locking portions and cam surfaces mediate the attachment process, distributing forces through the device itself rather than through the construction surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If telescopic members with locking mechanism are used, then installation is simplified and no special tools are needed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into distinct functional segments: outer and inner telescopic members, locking portions, cam surfaces, and retainers. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex telescopic mechanism to be assembled from simple, standardized components that can be manufactured and installed easily

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a simple fixed-length post that requires drilling and bolting, the invention inverts the approach by using a telescopic mechanism that extends and locks in place. The complexity is inverted from the attachment method (no drilling needed) to the device structure (telescopic mechanism), achieving ease of operation through controlled complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 simplifies the installation process, reduces the need for specialized tools, and enhances the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal by providing a quick and secure attachment method between the floor and ceiling, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.

Implementation Method 1

resilient biasing means associated with the inner telescopic member for ensuring firm engagement of the support foot with a ceiling surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient biasing force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a cam surface to move the locking portion to an angled position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP1921226B1Support device
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 BRINE DAVID MICHAEL
  • EP1921226B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1921226B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP1921226B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6b

AI summary

A support device is provided including first and second telescopic members (4,6), the distal end or ends of the members engaging with a suitable surface in use. Locking means (20) are provided on the first and/or second members to lock the members in a required relative position. The locking means includes a locking portion (26) movably mounted on the first and/or second members and actuating means. The actuating means move the locking portion between a first unlocked position, wherein the locking portion (26) is movable relative to the first and/or second members, and a second locked position, wherein the locking portion (26) engages with the first and/or second members to lock the members in the required relative position.