Telescoping Pole Dual Locking for Stable Extension and Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible telescoping poles for snow-based and recreational activities lack efficient locking mechanisms that allow for easy extension and retraction, compromising usability and stability during various terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible telescoping pole assembly with multiple elongated tubular members and dual locking mechanisms, where each tubular member can be slidably extended or retracted, and secured using twist locking mechanisms that allow axial movement to unlock and lock positions, enabling smooth transition between extended and retracted states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure tubular members in extended position, then stability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes nested tubular members where the second tubular member is received within the first tubular member. The locking mechanism components are integrated within this nested structure, with the locking ball and cavity system embedded in the wall of the first tubular member, thereby securing the extended position without adding external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism employs a spring-biased locking ball that automatically engages with the locking cavity when the tubular members are extended. The spring provides the necessary biasing force to maintain the locked position, and the system self-locks through the interaction between the locking ball and cavity without requiring additional actuation mechanisms
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure tubular members in extended position, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism replaces complex multi-component mechanical locking systems with a simplified spring-biased ball-and-cavity system. The spring provides automatic engagement force, and the locking ball moves freely within its cavity to engage or disengage from the locking position through simple axial movement, reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism extracts the essential locking function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a minimal set of components: a spring, a locking ball, and a locking cavity. This extracted simplified system maintains reliability while significantly improving ease of operation
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are added for each tubular member, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism design is universal and can be applied to multiple tubular members in the telescoping assembly. Each tubular member pair uses the same spring-biased ball-and-cavity locking system, allowing the mechanism to serve multiple functions of securing different stages of the telescoping pole while maintaining a consistent, manageable complexity level
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible telescoping pole assembly provided comprising at least first, second and third elongated tubular members, the second and third tubular members being slidably received within the first and second tubular member, respectively, between retracted and extended positions. A first locking mechanism is associated with the distal end of the first tubular member for releasably securing the second tubular member within the first tubular member in its extended position. The first locking member is biased to a locked position and movable to an unlocked position by rotating the first locking mechanism relative to the first tubular member, causing the first locking mechanism to move axially in a distal direction to permit the second tubular member to slide freely within the first in tubular member. A second locking mechanism is associated with the distal end of the second tubular member for releasably securing the third tubular member within the second tubular member in its extended position. The second locking mechanism is biased to a locked position and movable to an unlocked position by axially moving the second locking mechanism relative to the second tubular member in a distal direction to permit the third tubular member to slide freely within the second tubular member.