Telescoping Pole Support with Locking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial lighting pole systems face challenges in accessing remote fixtures safely and efficiently, with traditional systems being unstable when lowered, prone to wiring damage, and lacking effective protection against environmental hazards like moisture.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping pole system with a spring-assisted upper support and a locking assembly, integrated with a fluid-tight wiring chamber, allowing for safe height adjustment and protection of electrical wiring, maintaining the operational axis and stability of the light fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pole systems are used for industrial lighting, then the structure is simple, but worker safety is compromised and access to remote fixtures is difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The pole system is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can be independently adjusted. The upper support can be extended or retracted relative to the lower support, allowing workers to safely access fixtures at different heights without climbing ladders. This segmentation enables safe height adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper support is nested within the lower support, with the upper support sliding through a guide member that is interior to the lower support. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage when retracted and safe extension when access is needed, eliminating the need for external ladders or scaffolding.
2Ease of operation
If the pole is lowered for maintenance access, then worker access is improved, but stability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pole system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with controlled movement. The upper support can be axially moved to lower the fixture for maintenance, then locked in position using the locking assembly. This dynamic capability provides both accessibility and stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the movable upper support and the stationary lower support. It selectively engages to constrain axial motion of the upper support, providing stable locking during maintenance operations while allowing movement when needed.
3Reliability
If wiring is exposed in traditional pole systems, then installation is simple, but wiring is vulnerable to damage from movement and environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring is nested within the telescoping pole structure, specifically routed through the upper support and lower support. This nested arrangement protects the wiring from environmental hazards and mechanical damage during pole movement, while the wiring chamber provides additional protection and organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member serves as an intermediary structure that guides and protects the wiring during telescoping operations. It ensures the wiring moves smoothly with the upper support while preventing contact with external hazards and internal moving parts.
4Reliability
If a telescoping mechanism is added for safe access, then worker safety is improved, but the mechanism becomes unstable when lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the telescoping mechanism during lowered operations. It selectively engages with the upper support to constrain axial motion, providing the stability needed for safe maintenance operations while allowing telescoping movement when access is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a movable state during telescoping operations to a locked stable state during maintenance. The locking assembly enables this dynamic transition, providing worker safety during movement and operational stability during lowered positioning.
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 system enables safe and efficient maintenance of light fixtures by allowing single-worker operation, reducing labor costs, and providing robust protection against environmental conditions, including high winds and moisture, while preventing wiring damage.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member biasing the upper support to the extended position; The biasing member may include a spring in the annular space between the lower support and the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A pole support system suitable for lighting fixtures. The system may include a lower support; a guide member or wiring chamber interior to the lower support; a telescoping upper support inside the lower support and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the upper support being at least partially received in an annular space between the lower support and the guide member or wiring chamber; a biasing member biasing the upper support to the extended position; and a locking assembly partially surrounding the lower support at one end of the lower support. The locking assembly may include a body having a passage in which the upper support slides therethrough, and enclosing the passage at a first end while maintaining the passage in fluid communication with the interior of the lower support; and a lock configured to engage the upper support to constrain motion of the upper support.