Telescoping Hand-Held Device Synchronized Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held devices with adjustable lengths are heavy due to metal components and complex locking mechanisms, which compromises ergonomics and universality.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held device with a telescoping mechanism using lighter materials like plastic, featuring a trigger-operated system with a rack and second lock that allows synchronized engagement and disengagement of locking elements for easy length adjustment and locking/unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metal components and complex locking mechanisms are used for adjustable length, then the hand-held device achieves reliable length adjustment and locking, but the device weight increases and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a cam-based locking system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear locking motion, simplifying the overall mechanical structure while maintaining reliable length adjustment and locking functionality. This substitution reduces the number of components and overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the geometric parameters of the cam profile to achieve different locking positions. By changing the cam rotation angle, the locking element engages with different positions on the telescoping tube, providing multiple locked length positions. This parameter-based approach eliminates the need for multiple discrete locking components.
2Reliability
If conventional complex locking mechanisms are used, then secure length adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking element and cam mechanism into a single integrated component. The locking element is formed as part of the cam structure, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining secure locking functionality through the cam's geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage locking elements during the telescoping operation. As the tubes extend or retract, the cam profile naturally guides the locking element into engaged or disengaged positions without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
3Strength
If conventional metal components are used for adjustable length mechanism, then structural strength is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction where only critical load-bearing elements are made from high-strength materials, while non-critical components are made from lighter, less expensive materials. This selective material assignment maintains overall structural strength while reducing total material cost and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable length mechanism is divided into modular segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The cam mechanism, telescoping tubes, and locking elements are designed as discrete modules that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, reducing tooling costs and enabling economies of scale.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A hand-held device (100) includes a first portion (102) has a first tube (108) defining a number of first engaging elements (111), a second portion (118) has a second tube (120) defining a number of fourth engaging elements (130), and a mechanism (146) has a rack (180) defining a number of third engaging elements (190), an adaptor (148), and a second lock (160) defining a number of second engaging elements (170). The hand-held device (100) is characterized in that the second lock has protrusions (156) that interact with related protrusions (124) of the second tube (120) to restrict a relative motion. A cooperating second and third engagement elements (170, 190) and the cooperating first and fourth engagement elements (111, 130) are arranged such that the engagement and disengagement of the second lock (160) with the rack (180), and the first tube (108) with the second tube (120) is synchronized.