Weighted Trekking Pole Pin-and-Hole Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trekking poles with added weights face issues of segment decoupling under weight loading due to insufficient longitudinal resistance from friction or clasp fittings, leading to instability and potential injury during exercise.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segment trekking pole system with exterior-mounted crescent or slotted annular weights secured by a lateral pin and hole mechanism, providing adequate longitudinal resistance and allowing for adjustable weight distribution and easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction or clasp fittings are used to connect pole segments, then the pole can be assembled and disassembled easily, but the segments may decouple under weight loading due to insufficient longitudinal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled and disassembled independently. Each segment has standardized coupling interfaces with lateral pin and hole mechanisms, allowing easy assembly/disassembly while maintaining structural integrity through proper segmentation design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from relying solely on longitudinal friction to incorporating lateral pin insertion through holes. This adds a lateral dimension to the connection, creating a two-dimensional constraint system (lateral pin position + longitudinal friction) that simultaneously enables easy assembly and maintains high reliability under load.
2Adaptability or versatility
If weights are added to enhance workout functionality, then exercise effectiveness increases, but the risk of segment decoupling and injury increases due to higher forces
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling holes are positioned and sized to accommodate lateral pins, creating a geometric constraint system. The curved or rounded geometry of the pin-hole interface provides smooth load distribution and prevents stress concentration, allowing the pole to safely handle increased forces from added weights while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters (pin diameter, hole size, pin insertion force, friction coefficient) are optimized to match the expected load range when weights are added. By adjusting these parameters, the pole system can safely handle higher forces from workout weights while maintaining easy assembly and disassembly capabilities.
3Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism is used to prevent segment decoupling, then connection stability improves, but assembly and disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral pin and hole coupling system is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through geometric constraints. When segments are assembled, the pin automatically aligns with the holes and inserts under its own weight or minimal force, creating a stable connection without requiring complex locking mechanisms, motors, or electronic controls. The system serves itself through proper geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex locking mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple lateral pin insertion system. Instead of using complicated locking devices, the patent extracts the essential function (preventing decoupling) and achieves it through a minimalistic pin-hole geometry that provides sufficient stability without adding device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for adjustable length, multi-segment, weighted trekking pole are provided. Two or three-segment trekking (or other) poles may benefit from removable slotted annular-shaped weights that may provide liquid storage and may be configured to fit around the pins of a pin-and-hole coupling mechanism that attaches the pole segments together.