One-Handed Telescoping Pole Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable trekking poles require two hands and can be cumbersome to adjust on uneven terrain, especially in cold weather with bulky gloves, disrupting the user's rhythm and posing safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A one-handed mechanism using a rod with indentations and a locking tube system, combined with elastomeric members and actuation devices, allows for easy length adjustment by sliding tubular members, enabling telescoping and locking without needing to stop or use both hands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a twisting mechanism or spring-loaded pin is used to lock telescoping sections, then the pole can be adjusted to different lengths, but the adjustment requires two hands and stops the trekker's movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepole length adjustmentVSAvoidone-handed adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be actuated by a single hand through a button or lever that releases the lock when pressed, allowing the user to adjust the pole length without needing to stop or use both hands. The mechanism serves itself by using spring force to maintain the locked position automatically once adjusted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic adjustable state through a simple button press or lever action. The spring-loaded components enable quick transition between locked and unlocked states, facilitating rapid one-handed adjustment while maintaining stability when locked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the pole sections can be secured at different lengths, but the adjustment process is cumbersome and disrupts trekking rhythm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded locking mechanism is pre-positioned to engage automatically when the telescoping sections are extended to the desired length. The user simply needs to release the button or lever, and the spring force immediately secures the position, eliminating the need for manual locking actions and reducing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is divided into independent segments with individual buttons or levers for each telescoping section. This allows the user to adjust each section independently and quickly without affecting other sections, maintaining reliability while minimizing the time required for adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Temperature

If bulky gloves are worn in cold weather, then hand warmth is maintained, but the ability to properly adjust and secure pole lengths is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand warmth protectionVSAvoidglove dexterity for adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism uses large, segmented buttons or levers that can be actuated individually with minimal dexterity. Each button or lever is designed with sufficient size and mechanical advantage to be operated easily through bulky gloves, maintaining hand warmth while enabling proper adjustment and securing of pole lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If frequent pole adjustments are made on hazardous terrain, then the pole length can be adapted to terrain changes, but the trekker's rhythm is broken and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptationVSAvoidtrekker safety and rhythm

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism enables rapid dynamic adjustment of pole length through a simple button press or lever action followed by immediate automatic locking. This allows the trekker to quickly adapt to changing terrain conditions without breaking rhythm or compromising safety, as the adjustment can be made quickly while maintaining balance and momentum on hazardous terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 quick and convenient length adjustments of trekking poles, maintaining user rhythm and safety on varied terrain, and can be applied to other tools needing variable-length handles.

Implementation Method 1

an first elastomeric member can be positioned within the locking tube such that the first elastomeric member can engage with the rod such that the first elastomeric member can provide an elastic force to push the rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

At least one spherical member can be positioned within the locking tube such that the at least one spherical member can engage with the at least one indentation on the rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7650898B2Adjustable pole

Publication Date: 2010.01.26 JARMAN ROBERT W

AI summary

A pole mechanism that can be adjusted with one hand that can be used in trekking poles, tool handles, and other applications requiring the use of an adjustable-length elongated member.