Telescoping Safety Fence Post With Over-Centre Locking Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety barrier systems for construction sites lack ease of erection and dismantling, self-adjustability, compact packaging, and tamper-proof mechanisms, while also requiring improved stability and security.
Innovation Solution
A support post with an over-centre locking lever assembly that secures telescoping inner and outer tubes using a collar and lever mechanism, featuring cam portions and a spring clip for dynamic adjustability and enhanced grip, along with a wire clip for secure fence panel attachment, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a telescoping support post system is used to enable easy adjustment and packaging, then the ease of operation and storage is improved, but the reliability and security of the connection between inner and outer tubes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one, where the inner tube can move freely during adjustment but becomes securely locked when the lever is engaged. The lever pivots between a locked position (where it engages the inner tube) and an unlocked position (where the inner tube can slide), allowing the system to adapt between mobility and stability states.
Solution Approach 2:
The over-centre locking mechanism is self-latching, meaning once the lever is engaged, it automatically maintains the locked position without requiring continuous external force or complex locking components. The geometry of the lever and cam portions creates a self-sustaining locked state that secures the telescoping connection reliably.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is added to secure the telescoping tubes, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a collar that surrounds the inner tube, cam portions that engage with the inner tube surface, and a lever that pivots to lock or unlock the connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design relatively simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam portions of the lever are curved and designed to engage with the cylindrical inner tube in a rotational motion. As the lever pivots, the cam portions trace a curved path that allows smooth engagement and disengagement with the inner tube, creating a mechanical advantage that secures the connection reliably without requiring complex multi-step locking procedures.
3Reliability
If the locking lever is designed to grip tightly to secure the tubes, then the connection security is improved, but the ease of operation for rapid installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses dynamic leverage through the pivoting lever to achieve rapid locking. The lever's motion transforms a simple rotational action into a powerful gripping force through mechanical advantage, allowing the operator to quickly secure the telescoping connection with a single sweeping motion rather than requiring slow, incremental tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam portions are designed to engage with the inner tube in a way that creates a slight impact or vibration during the locking action. This mechanical impact helps the cam portions seat firmly against the inner tube surface, ensuring immediate and secure engagement without requiring multiple adjustment steps or prolonged manual pressure.
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 enables rapid and secure setup, self-adjustment, and tamper-proof operation of safety fence assemblies, providing enhanced stability and compliance with health and safety regulations, while allowing for efficient packaging and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
internal compression springs which also allow the post to be temporarily positioned in an upright position prior to securement
Implementation Method 2
The cam portions will bear against an upper pheripheral edge of the telescoping outer tube and have a curvature and shape adapted to raise the pivot pin
Data Source
AI summary
A support post for a safety fence assembly. The support post has a floor engaging end that has a number of claws, a shaft coupled at one end to the floor engaging end, a first longitudinally extending telescoping tube, a second longitudinally extending telescoping tube adapted for sliding telescoping engagement with the first telescoping tube, a ceiling engaging end, and an over-center locking lever assembly. Each of the claws has a number of sharp penetrating points for engagement with a supporting surface. The shaft has a free end which is threaded along at least a portion of its length. The first longitudinally extending telescoping tube has an internal nut for threaded engagement with the shaft. The ceiling engaging end is coupled to the second telescoping tube. The over-center locking lever assembly fixes the relative position of the first and second telescoping tubes.