Top-Access Pole Retention Device for Debris-Free Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pole retention systems face inconvenience due to obstructed access to setscrews caused by detritus and water accumulation, making it difficult to operate the locking mechanism effectively.

Innovation Solution

A device with a housing featuring a top-accessible socket and clamping mechanism, where an actuating member is presented on the top surface to directly engage the locking mechanism, and a resilient biasing means, such as a helical or conical spring, biases the clamping means to facilitate easier operation and reduce debris accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If setscrews are accessed through a side chamber, then the pole can be retained and released, but the access becomes obstructed by detritus and water accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to locking mechanismVSAvoidDebris accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating member is repositioned from a side chamber access to a top surface access, changing the spatial dimension of interaction. This allows the user to operate the locking mechanism from above rather than from the side, eliminating the problem of debris accumulation in the side chamber while maintaining full functionality of the pole retention system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If setscrews are placed in a side chamber, then the structure can be compact, but the operation becomes inconvenient when debris accumulates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveChamber structureVSAvoidSetscrew actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating member is extracted from the enclosed side chamber environment and repositioned to be accessible from the top surface. This separation of the actuation interface from the enclosed chamber space allows the chamber to remain compact and protected while the actuation function becomes independently accessible from above, eliminating the operational inconvenience caused by debris accumulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides easier access and operation of the locking mechanism, reducing the likelihood of debris interference and ensuring reliable retention and release of poles with minimal maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient biasing means provided in said chamber, said resilient biasing means acting on said clamping means to bias said clamping means away from the interior of said socket to receive a pole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient biasing: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2110478B1A device for supporting a pole
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 SQUARE SYST
  • EP2110478B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2110478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2110478B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pole retention system is described, the pole holding mechanism of the pole retention system adapted such that a user can actuate the pole holding mechanism directly from the top surface of the device, without having to reach into a side access chamber. This is achieved by presenting an actuating member directly accessible from the top surface of the pole retention system, the actuating member coupled with the holding system provided within the pole retention system.