Telescoping Tube Follower for One-Handed Button Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking and unlocking mechanisms for telescoping objects often require both hands, making it difficult for a single person to handle the object being supported while setting up or taking down telescoping support poles.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping component unlocking system featuring a follower device with a friction surface, neck, and shelf, along with a spring button that allows for easy extension and locking of telescoping components without manual depression of the button head, enabling one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then secure locking is achieved, but both hands are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring button is designed to automatically engage with the locking hole when the telescoping components are extended, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The spring mechanism self-activates upon extension, pushing the button into the locking hole to secure the components without requiring user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring button is pre-positioned and pre-loaded within the follower device, ready to engage the locking hole before the telescoping components are fully extended. This preliminary positioning ensures that locking occurs automatically as part of the extension process, rather than requiring a separate manual locking step.
2Ease of operation
If manual button depression is required, then locking control is precise, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring button mechanism is integrated directly into the follower device, merging the button, spring, and follower structure into a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate manual operation mechanisms while maintaining precise locking control through the combined mechanical action of the spring and button within the follower assembly.
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
Enables secure locking and unlocking of telescoping components with minimal user manipulation, allowing for efficient setup and takedown of equipment without the need for both hands.
Implementation Method 1
A follower device is disclosed which includes a friction surface
Data Source
AI summary
A follower device is disclosed which includes a friction surface, a neck, and at least one shelf. The at least one friction surface and the at least one shelf may extend from the neck, and the slot may be adjacent to the neck. The follower may be disposed in a telescoping tube and allow closure or retraction of the telescoping tube automatically by pulling on an inner tube to disengage a button lock, termed an overpull and then collapsing the telescoping tube without interference from the button lock.