Quick Fit Adjustment Mechanism for Universal Paint Roller Pole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paint industry connect/disconnect mechanisms limit a pole's compatibility with various types and sizes of paint accessories, requiring users to purchase new poles or accessories, increasing costs and time for painting projects.
Innovation Solution
A quick fit adjustment mechanism that includes a housing with actuator pins and a lever, allowing the pole to securely connect and disconnect from different paint accessories through retractable and extendable pins, accommodating various designs and sizes, including threaded and non-threaded openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pole uses a specific connection mechanism (threaded or slot-based), then it can securely connect to matching paint accessories, but it is limited to only certain types and sizes of accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of paint accessories through a single connection mechanism. The housing can receive both threaded inserts and non-threaded accessories with openings, making the pole compatible with various accessory types without requiring different pole designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the housing that provides the interface, actuator pins that provide securing force, and a lever that controls pin movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve both security and versatility.
2Reliability
If a user purchases separate poles for different accessory types, then each pole can be optimized for its specific accessories, but the cost and time for painting projects increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single pole with the universal housing design can connect to multiple types of paint accessories including rollers, sprayers, and other painting tools. This eliminates the need for users to purchase and switch between multiple specialized poles, reducing both cost and project time.
3Reliability
If actuator pins are extended to secure the accessory, then the connection is reliable, but the mechanism is complex requiring multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator pins are spring-loaded and automatically extend when the lever is actuated to engage with the accessory opening, and automatically retract when the lever returns to its initial position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment or complex control systems while maintaining reliable connection security.
4Ease of operation
If a quick release mechanism is used for easy connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation improves, but the connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as an intermediary that coordinates the movement of multiple actuator pins simultaneously. When the lever is actuated, it triggers all pins to extend and engage with the accessory opening, providing both quick operation and secure connection. The lever mechanism ensures that all pins move in unison, maintaining connection integrity while enabling rapid attachment and detachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick fit adjustment mechanism (30) may include a housing (50) having one end (52) that attaches to a pole (12) and another end (54) that attaches to an insert mounted to a paint accessory (14). A lever (36) may be used to cause an actuator pin (40) to extend from the housing into the insert to secure the housing to the insert and thus to secure the paint accessory to the pole.