Telescoping Tension Rod with Spring-Biased Lock for Adjustable Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tension rods for bathroom pole caddies and curtain rods lack the ability to adjust length effectively to accommodate varying distances between opposing surfaces while maintaining sufficient tension.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable telescoping tension rods with a spring-biased tension lock assembly, comprising an outer tube and an inner tube that can be telescopingly engaged, featuring a retaining rod with a spring, anti-rotation collar, and locking sleeve to allow axial movement and secure locking, enabling adjustable length and tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the length of tension rod is fixed, then manufacturing and installation are simple, but it cannot accommodate varying distances between opposing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The tension rod is divided into multiple telescoping tube sections (first tube section, second tube section, third tube section) that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the rod to extend and retract to accommodate varying distances while maintaining a compact form when retracted, thus providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube sections are nested within each other, with the second tube section inserted into the first, and the third tube section inserted into the second. This nesting arrangement allows the tension rod to achieve extended length when needed while maintaining a compact, space-efficient structure when retracted, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tension rod is made adjustable with multiple sections, then it can fit varying distances, but the tension force may be insufficient to hold the rod securely
Solution Approach 1:
The tension rod incorporates a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts tension based on the extended length. As the tube sections extend, the spring compresses and generates increasing elastic force, automatically maintaining sufficient tension force regardless of the rod's extended length, thus resolving the contradiction between adjustability and tension force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the physical state of the system by converting mechanical compression into elastic potential energy. As the tube sections extend and the spring compresses, the spring constant and compression distance change to maintain appropriate tension force, allowing the rod to securely hold various lengths while maintaining sufficient force.
3Length of moving object
If telescoping tube sections are used for adjustment, then length variability is achieved, but the mechanism for locking and maintaining position becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tension rod employs a self-locking mechanism where the spring force automatically maintains the tube sections in their extended position without requiring additional locking components. The spring's elastic force creates sufficient friction and mechanical interference to prevent accidental retraction, allowing length variability while minimizing locking mechanism complexity.
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 secure and adjustable length adjustment of tension rods to fit varying distances between surfaces, maintaining sufficient tension and stability, facilitating easy installation and secure holding of rods in place.
Implementation Method 1
a spring surrounding at least a portion of the spring retaining bar
Implementation Method 2
a locking sleeve threadingly engaged with the threaded tapered portion of the retaining rod structured and arranged to radially expand outwardly when threaded
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable tension rods with spring-biased tension lock assemblies are disclosed. The tension rods comprise at least one outer tube section and at least one inner tube section that are spring-biased with respect to each other by means of the tension lock assembly. The outer tube and/or inner tube may include a single tube section, or may include multiple tube sections that may be assembled together.