Replaceable Trekking Pole Buffer With Anti-Twist Locking Sole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trekking poles suffer from unreliable connections between replaceable ferrules, which can twist and require tools for replacement, and involve significant material waste due to non-recyclable components.
Innovation Solution
A three-part buffer system comprising a rubber-elastic upper section, a cushioning sole, and a hard intermediate piece, allowing tool-free replacement and recyclable design, with a positive-locking connection ensuring secure attachment to the pole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a friction-based connection is used for the ferrule, then the ferrule can be easily attached, but the connection becomes unreliable and the ferrule can twist
Solution Approach 1:
A hard intermediate piece is introduced as a mediator between the upper buffer section and the cushioning sole. This intermediate piece provides a reliable attachment interface for the cushioning sole while being firmly connected to the upper buffer section, thus preventing twisting without requiring tool-based fastening of the cushioning sole itself
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer is divided into three separate parts: an upper buffer section, a cushioning sole, and a hard intermediate piece. This segmentation allows the upper buffer section to remain firmly attached to the pole while the cushioning sole can be easily attached and detached from the intermediate piece through a positive-locking connection
2Reliability
If tools are used for ferrule replacement, then secure attachment is achieved, but replacement becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hard intermediate piece serves as a mediator that provides a built-in positive-locking connection mechanism for the cushioning sole. This eliminates the need for external tools while maintaining secure attachment, as the intermediate piece's structure inherently provides both reliability and ease of replacement through its locking geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The positive-locking connection between the cushioning sole and the hard intermediate piece is designed to be self-securing without requiring tools. The locking mechanism automatically engages when the cushioning sole is attached, providing both secure attachment and simple tool-free replacement
3Ease of manufacture
If the buffer is made as a single piece, then manufacturing is simple, but material waste increases due to non-recyclable components
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer is segmented into three separate parts that can be manufactured independently using different materials optimized for each function. The upper buffer section, hard intermediate piece, and cushioning sole can each be produced separately and then assembled, enabling full recyclability of each component without compromising manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer uses composite construction with different materials for each part: the upper buffer section uses one material, the hard intermediate piece uses a different hard material, and the cushioning sole uses yet another material. This allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and fully recycled separately, eliminating material waste
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
Provides a reliable, tool-free attachment and easy recyclability of the buffer components, preventing twisting and minimizing material waste while maintaining effective grip and cushioning.
Implementation Method 1
A buffer (3) for a stick, in particular for a trekking, walking or Nordic walking stick (1), has at its upper end means for detachable attachment to a stick shaft (2) during intended use, in particular in the form of a recess (7), and at its lower end a rolling surface (10)
Implementation Method 2
The buffer (3) can be locked in this central opening relative to the pole body in an axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4a~5c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a buffer (3) for a stick (1), in particular for a trekking stick, walking stick or Nordic-walking stick, wherein the buffer (3) comprises, at its upper end, means for fastening to a stick tube (2), in particular in the form of a recess (7), and comprises at its lower end a rolling surface (10), wherein, in a transverse direction (39) with respect to the rolling action, the rolling surface (10) is substantially flat or merely slightly convexly curved but, in a longitudinal direction (40) perpendicular thereto, is convexly domed in such a way that, in the event of a movement sequence of the user of the stick (1), it forms a rolling surface during the pushing-off motion in a walking direction (11) with the stick on a surface. In this case, the buffer (3) comprises an upper buffer portion (4), a buffer sole (5) forming the rolling surface (10) and, therebetween in the axial direction (41), an intermediate piece (6), wherein the upper buffer portion (4) and the buffer sole consist of a rubber-elastic material, wherein the intermediate piece (6) consists of an inelastic material, wherein the intermediate piece (6) is non-detachably fastened to the upper buffer portion (4) when used as intended, and wherein the buffer sole (5) is detachably and replaceably fastened to the intermediate piece (6).