Telescoping Leg Locking Mechanism for One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescoping legs require two hands to operate the adjusting systems, making it difficult to adjust the length, and there is a need for an easier and more efficient method to extend or retract the legs.
Innovation Solution
A locking device mounted on telescoping legs that can be operated with one hand, featuring a lever and biasing member to provide frictional resistance, allowing for extension or retraction of the lower elongate member relative to the upper elongate member, and can grip to prevent retraction when a compressive force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pin-lock or threaded-lock system is used, then the telescoping leg can be locked in place, but two hands are required to operate the adjusting system making it difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic adjustable state through a cam mechanism. The cam surface allows the locking member to rotate and engage/disengage dynamically, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining secure locking when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
A cam surface acts as an intermediary between the locking member and the telescoping leg sections. The cam geometry transforms rotational motion of the locking member into linear engagement forces, providing mechanical advantage and enabling easy one-handed operation while maintaining reliable locking
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lower pole diameter is reduced to facilitate telescopic engagement, then the poles can telescope smoothly, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is engaged before full load is applied to the telescoping leg. By pre-engaging the locking mechanism while the leg is still accessible and not under maximum stress, the structure maintains full strength without requiring the lower pole to support the entire load independently
3Reliability
If friction is increased to hold position in disengaged state, then the leg section stays in place, but extension becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The friction characteristic of the locking device is dynamic rather than static. In the disengaged state, moderate friction maintains position. When extension is needed, applying force to the locking member overcomes this friction temporarily, allowing movement before re-engagement restores the frictional holding force
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 easy one-handed operation of telescoping legs, allowing for efficient extension and retraction without the need for tools, providing secure locking and ease of use in various orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member operably engaged between the clamp housing and the lever, the biasing member urges the grip portion of the lever away from the upper elongate member to thereby rotate the head portion of the lever to contact the upper end of the lower elongate member
Implementation Method 2
If a compressive force is applied to push the upper elongate member down onto the lower elongate member, then the locking device grips the lower elongate member with more force or resistance to prevent retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device to engage with an upper end of a lower elongate member and a lower end of an upper elongate member wherein the upper and lower elongate members are telescopically engaged. The locking device is operable in a disengaged position to frictionally hold the position of the lower elongate member relative to the upper elongate member. In the disengaged position, the locking device prevents retraction of the lower elongate member relative to the upper elongate member but enables extension of the lower elongate member relative to the upper elongate member. If a compressive force is applied to retract the lower elongate member within the upper elongate member, then the locking device grips the lower elongate member with more force to prevent retraction of the lower elongate member within the upper elongate member when the locking device is in the disengaged position.