Telescoping Rod Compression Lock Using Elastomeric Ring Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting rods lack a convenient and effective mechanism for adjusting length to accommodate varying household article environments, which can lead to user burden when mounting in different dimensions and orientations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length rod assembly featuring an inner and outer tube with a lock mechanism and elastomeric ring that expands radially upon rotation, providing a locking force to prevent translation, and a compression lock assembly with a threaded fastener and elastomeric ribbed ring for customizable length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting rod is designed with fixed length, then manufacturing and structure are simple, but it cannot accommodate varying household article environments and requires multiple rods for different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is divided into multiple telescoping segments (inner tube and outer tube) that can slide relative to each other, allowing the rod to extend and retract to different lengths while maintaining a compact storage size. This segmentation enables a single rod to replace multiple fixed-length rods.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, with the inner tube having a smaller diameter and fitting inside the outer tube's internal cavity. This nested configuration allows the rod to telescop, providing variable length adjustment while maintaining a compact form when retracted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping mechanism is added to allow length adjustment, then adaptability to varying dimensions is improved, but the mechanism complexity and user operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic telescoping structure where the inner tube can slide within the outer tube. This dynamic configuration allows the rod to be adjusted to different lengths by simply pushing or pulling the tubes, making operation intuitive and easy.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod features self-locking mechanisms including friction engagement between the tubes and positive locking elements such as detents or cam locks that automatically engage when the tubes are extended or retracted. This self-service locking eliminates the need for separate locking operations, reducing user burden.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to prevent translation, then reliability of length maintenance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A lock mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer tubes, featuring a lock body with locking elements that engage with corresponding features on the tubes. This intermediary component provides reliable locking while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual part.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in geometric parameters such as the expansion of an elastomeric ring from a first diameter to a second diameter greater than the first diameter, creating outward radial force that prevents translation. This parameter change approach provides reliable locking through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical interlocking.
4Reliability
If an elastomeric ring expansion mechanism is used for locking, then locking force and reliability are improved, but the longitudinal space required for the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from longitudinal space consumption to radial space consumption by expanding the elastomeric ring in the radial direction from a first diameter to a second diameter. This dimensionality change allows the locking action to occur primarily in the radial dimension rather than requiring significant longitudinal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric ring undergoes parameter changes by expanding radially and compressing longitudinally, where the longitudinal length is decreased by a compression dimension that is generally equal to a difference between the first and second diameters. This parameter transformation converts radial expansion into longitudinal compression, minimizing the net longitudinal space required.
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 ergonomic adjustment of rod length, providing a secure locking force suitable for various household applications, such as shelving and shower curtain systems, with improved frictional engagement and reduced user effort.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric ring is disposed coaxially about the longitudinal axis. Rotation of the outer tube relative to inner tube causes the lock mechanism to expand the elastomeric ring from a first diameter to a second diameter greater than the first diameter thereby providing an outward radial force against an internal surface of the outer tube
Implementation Method 2
The compression lock assembly has a threaded fastener and lock nut that compress the elastomeric ring. The longitudinal length is decreased by a compression dimension that is generally equal to a difference between the first and second diameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression lock assembly for an adjustable length rod assembly with inner and outer tubes is provided. The compression lock assembly has an adapter adapted to be connected to rotate with the inner tube. An elastomeric ring with an inner opening and outer diameter is concentric and disposed coaxially with the adapter. A threaded fastener extends through the elastomeric ring and is fixed to the adapter. A lock nut is disposed about the threaded fastener and fixed to rotate with the elastomeric ring. The locking nut moves along the threaded fastener to compress the elastomeric ring and expand the outer diameter from a first diameter to a second diameter greater than the first diameter as the elastomeric ring is rotated relative to the adapter.