Telescoping Rod Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting solutions for household articles lack the ability to conveniently adjust to varying dimensions and orientations of different environments, making it difficult for users to accommodate various household items effectively.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping rod system featuring a cam body with ramped surfaces and elastomeric sleeves that apply outward radial forces to resist axial translation, allowing for adjustable length and secure locking mechanisms to accommodate diverse household applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a telescoping rod system uses a cam body with elastomeric sleeves to provide secure locking, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the cam body with asymmetric ramped surfaces, the elastomeric sleeves that provide frictional engagement, and the tubular members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sleeves act as intermediary elements between the cam body and the tubular members. These sleeves provide the necessary frictional engagement for reliable locking while simplifying the overall mechanism by eliminating the need for more complex fastening systems
2Ease of operation
If the telescoping rod allows easy length adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during adjustment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cam body is designed with asymmetric ramped surfaces that create dynamic engagement characteristics. During rotation, the cam profile provides gradual engagement that allows smooth adjustment, while at the locked position, the asymmetric geometry creates a stable, self-locking condition that maintains structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sleeves utilize changes in material deformation parameters during the locking process. As the cam body rotates and engages the sleeves, the elastomeric material deforms and then stabilizes, providing both ease of adjustment during rotation and stability once locked in position
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 user-friendly, customizable length adjustments and secure locking in various household environments, ensuring easy installation and stability of household items across different dimensions and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
An outer shape of the ramped surface causes the elastomeric sleeve to deform in response to a rotation about the cam body, thereby causing a first outward radial force upon an inner surface of the second tubular member
Implementation Method 2
A cam body is affixed to an end of the first tubular member, where the cam body defines an asymmetric ramped surface... The ramped outer surfaces are arranged such that the outward force of the second cam sleeve is opposite of the outward force of the first cam sleeve
Implementation Method 3
The radial force restricts longitudinal translation of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping rod is adjustable to a range of household environments and includes a first tubular member defining a primary axis. A cam body is secured to an end of the first tubular member, and the cam body defines ramped outer surfaces that vary in distance from the primary axis as a function of angular position about the axis. A second tubular member is sized to slide over the first tubular member and the cam body. The rod also includes a first cam sleeve and a second cam sleeve disposed about the ramped outer surfaces of the cam body. Rotation of the second tubular member about the primary axis relative to the cam body causes the first and the second cam sleeves to exert outward forces against an inner surface of the second tubular member that are applied at substantially different angles relative to each other.