An umbrella based on jellyfish bionic soft structure

Abstract

The present invention discloses an umbrella based on a jellyfish bionic soft structure, comprising an umbrella surface, an upper umbrella nest and a plurality of upper branches, wherein the plurality of upper branches are arranged around the upper umbrella nest and connected to the umbrella surface, wherein the present invention further comprises an opening and closing harness and a plurality of lower branches, wherein the upper end of each lower branch is connected to each upper branch in a one-to-one correspondence, wherein the lower branches comprise an elastic section located at the upper part and a vertical section located at the lower part, wherein the vertical sections of the plurality of lower branches pass through the opening and closing harness and are arranged in bundles, wherein the opening and closing harness reciprocates between the elastic section and the vertical section to control the lower branches to switch between a spread state and a closed state, and the umbrella surface switches between an open state and a closed state as the state of the lower branches switches. The present invention solves the problems of the existing umbrellas having a single style, lack of interest, high cost and poor ornamental properties.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of umbrella technology, specifically to an umbrella based on a jellyfish-inspired soft structure. Background Technology

[0002] Umbrellas are everyday household items, providing protection from sun and rain. As people's lives become increasingly sophisticated, their demands for umbrellas are rising. However, traditional umbrellas suffer from numerous drawbacks, including overly complex rib structures, numerous parts, complicated manufacturing processes, inconvenient storage, and susceptibility to rust, bending, and breakage. The applicant observed that the jellyfish's head has a spherical shape, similar to the shape of an umbrella canopy, making it suitable for integration with umbrellas. Through analysis and research into the principles of jellyfish movement, a jellyfish-inspired bionic soft structure umbrella has been developed, characterized by a simple structure, convenient storage, easier manufacturing, and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0003] Furthermore, the existing straight-rib umbrella structure is already well-known. For example, Chinese utility model patent CN200820095678 discloses a straight-rib umbrella frame, including a central rod, upper rib, middle rib, lower rib, main rib unit, secondary rib unit, and pull rod. Each main rib unit or secondary rib unit is composed of several long or short bones connected together. Therefore, it has at least the following disadvantages in actual production and use:

[0004] First, the variety of spare parts is complex, and the production process and materials for each spare part are different, so multiple production lines need to be set up for production, resulting in high material management costs and production costs.

[0005] Second, after the production of various parts, they need to go through multiple assembly processes. For example, the main bone unit and the secondary bone unit need to be connected and assembled through several long bones or broken bones, as well as the main bone unit and the secondary bone unit are connected and assembled with the umbrella rod. During assembly, manual riveting and other methods are required, which involves a high degree of manual intervention. With the rising labor costs and the difficulty in recruiting ordinary production line workers, the current timed and quantitative production has been troubled, and the assembly cost remains high.

[0006] Third, the products are highly homogenized, with limited styles, lack of fun and visual appeal, and a lack of pricing power in the market;

[0007] Fourth, the complex structure makes disassembly and reassembly complicated when parts are damaged, which is not conducive to later maintenance.

[0008] V. The most commonly used materials for straight umbrellas on the market are aluminum and iron. Aluminum has the advantages of being lightweight and inexpensive, but it is brittle and easily broken, and has poor wind resistance. Iron, on the other hand, has a more stable structure, but it is heavy and prone to rust, making it inconvenient to carry and store.

[0009] In view of this, the applicant conducted in-depth research on the above-mentioned issues, which led to this case. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The main objective of this invention is to provide an umbrella based on a jellyfish-inspired soft structure, which solves the problems of high production and assembly costs, inconvenient maintenance, limited styles, and other defects caused by materials in existing umbrellas.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the solution of the present invention is:

[0012] An umbrella based on a jellyfish-inspired soft structure is provided, comprising an umbrella canopy, an upper umbrella nest, and several upper ribs. The several upper ribs are arranged around the upper umbrella nest and connected to the umbrella canopy. The invention also includes an opening and closing sleeve and several lower ribs. The upper end of each lower rib is connected to each upper rib in a one-to-one correspondence. Each lower rib includes an upper elastic segment and a lower vertical segment. The vertical segments of the several lower ribs pass through the opening and closing sleeve and are bundled together. The opening and closing sleeve slides back and forth between the elastic segment and the vertical segment to control the lower ribs to switch between an open state and a closed state. The umbrella canopy switches between an open state and a closed state according to the state of the lower ribs.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the lower ribs is provided with an elastic protrusion. When the opening and closing sleeve slides to abut against the upper surface of the elastic protrusion, the lower rib is in a closed state and the umbrella surface is in a closed state.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface of the elastic protrusion has a rounded transition surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper limb is integrally formed, and the lower limb is integrally formed.

[0016] Furthermore, several of the vertical segments are bonded together with adhesive.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes an umbrella handle, with the lower parts of several vertical sections bundled together and inserted into the umbrella handle. When the opening and closing sleeve slides to abut against the upper surface of the umbrella handle, the lower support ribs are in a dispersed state, and the umbrella canopy is in an open state.

[0018] Furthermore, the umbrella surface is also equipped with a swinging curtain.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes color-changing LED beads, which are disposed inside the lower support rib and the umbrella handle.

[0020] Furthermore, the umbrella canopy is made of POE transparent plastic, the upper and lower ribs are made of elastic plastic material, and the umbrella handle is made of thermoplastic rubber material.

[0021] Furthermore, an umbrella pad is provided at the lower end of the umbrella handle.

[0022] With the above structure, the umbrella based on a jellyfish-inspired soft structure of the present invention has at least the following technical advantages compared with the prior art:

[0023] I. This design mainly includes the upper umbrella nest, umbrella canopy, upper support ribs, and lower support ribs. The vertical section of the lower support rib directly replaces the function of the traditional umbrella center rod, thus eliminating the need for the umbrella center rod and avoiding the connection between the umbrella center rod and the umbrella ribs. Furthermore, the upper and lower support ribs are integrally formed, eliminating the need to produce multiple long and short ribs through multiple production processes. As a result, the number of major and connecting parts is greatly reduced, which in turn reduces the variety of parts, saving material costs and reducing production lines, thereby lowering the overall production cost of the umbrella.

[0024] Second, after all the parts are formed, the upper and lower support bones are integrally formed, which can eliminate the traditional assembly process of connecting long or short bones in a straight umbrella. The assembly operation in this case is mainly to connect the upper support bone to the umbrella surface. The upper end of each lower support bone is connected to each upper support bone in a one-to-one correspondence, and the lower part passes through the opening and closing sleeve and is bundled together. Specifically, it is bundled at the position of the umbrella rod in a traditional umbrella, which can complete the assembly. This eliminates the connection and assembly process between the lower support bone and the umbrella rod. The entire assembly process reduces riveting and pivoting operations, achieving the effect of simplifying the assembly process and saving the assembly cost of the parts.

[0025] Third, the umbrella canopy in this case is made of POE transparent plastic, and the upper and lower ribs are made of elastic transparent plastic material, which is lightweight and rust-free. In addition, both of them have a certain degree of elasticity, so they can be elastically deformed when the wind blows on the umbrella canopy, thus having wind pressure resistance.

[0026] IV. The specific usage process of this design is as follows: When the umbrella is closed, the opening and closing loop binds the elastic segment of the lower rib, keeping it closed and causing several upper ribs to close as well. When the umbrella is opened, the opening and closing loop slides downwards. During this sliding process, the binding force on the elastic segment gradually dissipates from top to bottom, causing the elastic segment to gradually disperse under its own elasticity and each segment to gradually bend downwards, slowly opening the upper ribs. As a result, the umbrella gradually opens outwards, ultimately presenting the shape of a jellyfish head. The entire opening process imitates the gradual expansion of the jellyfish's head cavity as it swims. This design takes the shape of a jellyfish as its starting point, mimicking the swimming motion of a jellyfish in the ocean by changing the traditional umbrella's skeletal structure and shape, umbrella surface lines, and opening and closing method, thus expressing the rhythmic beauty of the jellyfish. This achieves dynamic biomimicry and shape biomimicry. When the umbrella is fully opened, the overall shape of the umbrella also resembles the shape of a jellyfish, enhancing its fun and visual appeal. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the umbrella ribs in the open state of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention in the open umbrella state.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a frontal schematic diagram of the umbrella ribs in the closed state according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a frontal schematic diagram of the present invention with the umbrella ribs partially unfolded.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a frontal schematic diagram of the umbrella ribs in the open state of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a frontal schematic diagram of the present invention in the open umbrella state.

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] Umbrella surface-1, swing curtain-11;

[0035] Upper umbilicus-2; upper ramus-3; lower ramus-4; elastic protrusion-41; elastic segment-42; vertical segment-43;

[0036] 5. Opening and closing sleeve; 6. Umbrella handle; 7. Color-changing LED light beads; 8. Umbrella pad. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To further explain the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0038] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 6, this invention provides an umbrella based on a jellyfish biomimetic soft structure, including an umbrella surface 1, an upper umbrella nest 2, and several upper support ribs 3. The upper umbrella nest 2 is disc-shaped, and the upper ends of several upper support ribs 3 are arranged around the upper umbrella nest 2. The upper ends of the upper support ribs 3 are connected to the upper umbrella nest 2, specifically referring to the connection method of existing umbrellas. When the upper support ribs 3 are fully unfolded, they can present the outline of a jellyfish head. The outer surface of the upper support ribs 3 is connected to the umbrella surface 1.

[0039] This case also includes an opening and closing sleeve 5 and several lower limbs 4. The opening and closing sleeve 5 is a sleeve structure. The lower limbs 4 include an elastic segment 42 located at the upper part and a vertical segment 43 located at the lower part. The vertical segment 43 extends in the vertical direction, and the elastic segment 42 hangs down naturally under its own weight when there is no external force, presenting a curved shape. Each lower rib 4 is connected one-to-one with each upper rib 3, specifically at the position of the upper rib 3 near the upper umbrella nest 2. The vertical segments 43 of several lower ribs 4 pass through the opening and closing sleeve 5 and are bundled together, specifically at the position of the umbrella rod in a traditional straight-handle umbrella. The opening and closing sleeve 5 slides back and forth between the elastic segment 42 and the vertical segment 43 to control the lower ribs 4 to switch between an open state and a closed state. When the upper part of the elastic segment 42 is not restrained by the opening and closing sleeve 5, the single elastic segment 42 is bent, causing several lower ribs 4 to be in an open state. When the opening and closing sleeve 5 slides to the upper part of the elastic segment 42 and generates a restraining force on the upper part of the elastic segment 42, the single elastic segment 42 is vertical, causing several lower ribs 4 to be in a closed state. The umbrella surface 1 switches between an open state and a closed state as the state of the lower ribs 4 changes.

[0040] Thus, compared with existing technologies, this case includes at least the following effects:

[0041] I. This case mainly includes the upper umbrella nest 2, the umbrella surface 1, the upper support rib 3 and the lower support rib 4. The vertical section of the lower support rib 4 directly replaces the function of the traditional umbrella center rod, so the umbrella center rod can be eliminated, and the connection between the umbrella center rod and the umbrella rib can be avoided. Moreover, the upper support rib 3 and the lower support rib 4 are integrally formed, eliminating the need to produce multiple long and short ribs through multiple production processes. Therefore, the main parts and connecting parts are greatly reduced, and the types of parts are reduced accordingly. This saves material costs and reduces the production line, thus reducing the overall production cost of the umbrella.

[0042] Second, after all the parts are formed, the upper support rib 3 and the lower support rib 4 are integrally formed, which can eliminate the traditional assembly process of connecting long ribs with long or short ribs in a straight umbrella. The assembly operation in this case is mainly to connect the upper support rib 3 to the umbrella surface. The upper end of each lower support rib 4 is connected to each upper support rib 3 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the lower part passes through the opening and closing sleeve and is bundled together. Specifically, it is bundled at the position of the umbrella rod in a traditional umbrella, which can complete the assembly. The connection and assembly process of the lower support rib 4 and the umbrella rod is eliminated. The entire assembly process reduces riveting and pivoting operations, achieving the effect of simplifying the assembly process and saving the assembly cost of parts.

[0043] III. The specific usage process of this case is as follows: When the umbrella surface 1 is in the closed state, the opening and closing sleeve 5 binds the elastic segment 42 of the lower rib 4, keeping it in a closed state, and also causing several upper ribs 3 to close. When the umbrella is opened, the opening and closing sleeve 5 slides downward. During its sliding process, the binding force on the elastic segment 42 gradually dissipates from top to bottom, causing several elastic segments 42 to gradually disperse under their own elasticity and each elastic segment 42 to gradually bend downward, slowly opening the upper ribs 3, thus the umbrella surface 1 gradually opens outward, finally presenting a jellyfish head shape. The entire opening process imitates the movement of a jellyfish swimming as its head cavity gradually expands. This design takes the shape of a jellyfish as its starting point, and imitates the jellyfish's swimming motion in the ocean by changing the skeletal structure and shape of the traditional umbrella, the line structure of the umbrella surface 1, and the opening and closing method. It expresses the rhythmic beauty of the jellyfish, thus achieving dynamic biomimicry and shape biomimicry. When the umbrella surface 1 is fully opened, the overall shape of the umbrella is also similar to the shape of a jellyfish, which enhances the fun and visual appeal.

[0044] The opening and closing sleeve 5 can be fixed near the upper umbrella slot 2 by rope binding or magnetic attraction. In a specific embodiment of this case, each lower support rib 4 is provided with an elastic protrusion 41, located near the upper umbrella slot 2, allowing for elastic pressing. When the umbrella needs to be closed, the opening and closing sleeve 5 slides upwards and continues to slide until it abuts against the upper surface of the elastic protrusion 41 after pressing the elastic protrusion 41. At this time, as... Figure 3 As shown, the upper part of the lower branch 4 is bound by the opening and closing sleeve 5 and is in a closed state. The upper branch 3 is also closed to the center of the upper umbrella nest 2, and the umbrella surface 1 is in a closed state.

[0045] More preferably, the surface of the elastic protrusion 41 has an arc transition surface, which is conducive to the sliding and pressing of the opening and closing sleeve 5. It should be noted that the weight of the opening and closing sleeve 5 itself is not enough to press the elastic protrusion, and external pulling or pushing force is required to press the elastic protrusion 41.

[0046] As a specific embodiment of the actual production of this case, the upper support bone 3 is integrally formed and the lower support bone 4 is integrally formed. In this way, the upper support bone 3 and the lower support bone 4 can be directly formed in one step without additional assembly process, which greatly improves the forming efficiency and saves assembly costs.

[0047] Several vertical segments 43 can be stably joined together by means of rope binding, etc. As a specific embodiment of this case in actual production, several vertical segments 43 are directly glued together to form a rod, which makes the connection more solid and achieves a stable bundled setting, making the structure more stable. Moreover, the appearance remains simple and without additional obstacles, which is more conducive to the smooth sliding of the opening and closing sleeve 5.

[0048] As another specific embodiment of this case, it also includes an umbrella handle 6. The lower parts of several vertical segments 43 are bundled together and inserted into and fixed inside the umbrella handle 6. The umbrella handle 6 binds the lower parts of the elastic segments 42, keeping the lower parts of the elastic segments 42 in a bound state, further increasing the binding strength. When the umbrella needs to be opened, the opening and closing sleeve 5 slides downward through the elastic protrusion 41. When the opening and closing sleeve 5 slides to abut against the upper surface of the umbrella handle 6, the upper parts of the elastic segments 42 release the binding force and expand outward, causing the several lower ribs 4 to be in a dispersed state, such as... Figure 5 As shown, several upper support bones 3 are also deployed, thereby causing the umbrella surface 1 to be in an open state.

[0049] Preferably, the umbrella surface 1 is also provided with a swinging curtain 11. The swinging curtain 11 is not supported by umbrella ribs, making it easier to swing with the wind, simulating the movement of jellyfish and enhancing the dynamic biomimetic effect.

[0050] As another specific embodiment of this case, the case also includes color-changing LED beads 7, which are disposed inside the lower support 4 and the umbrella handle 6, so as to express the various fantastic colors of jellyfish through light and enhance the biomimetic effect.

[0051] Preferably, the umbrella canopy 1 is made of a transparent material, and the upper support rib 3 and lower support rib 4 are made of an elastic transparent material. This allows light to shine through the umbrella canopy 1, upper support rib 3, and lower support rib 4, creating a dynamic aesthetic while also providing illumination. Furthermore, the elastic design of the upper support rib 3 and lower support rib 4 allows them to unfold naturally after being unrestrained.

[0052] In actual production, the umbrella canopy 1 is made of POE (polyolefin elastomer) transparent plastic, the upper support rib 3 and lower support rib 4 are made of elastic transparent plastic material, and the umbrella handle 6 is made of thermoplastic rubber material. Thus, this design is lightweight and rust-free, and both components have a certain degree of elasticity, allowing the umbrella canopy to deform elastically when blown by the wind, thereby providing wind pressure resistance.

[0053] Because this design alters the structure of the traditional straight-handled umbrella, the opening and closing operation methods are also changed. When opening the umbrella, the user needs to reach inside the canopy to hold the opening sleeve 5. Traditional straight-rib umbrellas are placed with the upper umbrella fin touching the ground when not in use. In this design, if placed in this way, the opening sleeve 5 would slide down to a position near the upper umbrella fin and be surrounded by the upper ribs, making it difficult for people with shorter arms to hold. Preferably, the lower end of the umbrella handle 6 is provided with an umbrella pad 8. The placement method in this design is the opposite of the traditional method; the upper umbrella fin 2 is placed on top, and the umbrella handle 6 is below, with the umbrella pad 8 directly contacting the floor. The umbrella pad 8 has strong friction with the floor, making the umbrella more stable and less prone to slipping. Thus, under the influence of gravity, the opening sleeve 5 slides down to the upper surface of the elastic protrusion, closer to the umbrella handle, making it easier for the user to reach in and hold the umbrella.

[0054] The above embodiments and figures are not intended to limit the product form and style of the present invention. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An umbrella based on a jellyfish bionic soft structure, comprising an umbrella surface, an upper umbrella nest and a plurality of upper support bones, wherein the plurality of upper support bones are arranged around the upper umbrella nest and connected to the umbrella surface, characterized in that: The umbrella also includes an opening and closing sleeve, and a plurality of lower ribs, the upper end of each lower rib is connected to each upper rib in a one-to-one correspondence, the lower ribs include an elastic section located at the upper part, and a vertical section located at the lower part, the vertical sections of the plurality of lower ribs pass through the opening and closing sleeve and are bundled together, the opening and closing sleeve reciprocates between the elastic section and the vertical section to control the lower ribs to switch between an open state and a closed state; Each of the lower ribs is provided with an elastic protrusion of the same height, and when the opening and closing sleeve slides to abut against the upper surface of the elastic protrusion, the lower ribs are in a closed state, and the umbrella surface is in a folded state; It also includes an umbrella handle, wherein the lower parts of the plurality of vertical sections are bundled and inserted into the umbrella handle, and when the opening and closing sleeve slides to abut against the upper surface of the umbrella handle, the lower ribs are in a spread state, and the umbrella surface is in an open state; The upper ribs are integrally formed, and the lower ribs are integrally formed.

2. The umbrella based on the jellyfish bionic soft structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the elastic protrusion has an arc transition surface.

3. The umbrella based on the jellyfish bionic soft structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of vertical sections are bonded together using glue.

4. The umbrella based on the jellyfish bionic soft structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The umbrella surface is also provided with a swinging cloth curtain.

5. The umbrella based on the jellyfish bionic soft structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes color-changing LED lamp beads, which are arranged inside the lower support bone and the umbrella handle.

6. The umbrella based on the jellyfish bionic soft structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The umbrella surface is made of POE transparent plastic, the upper support and the lower support are made of elastic plastic material, and the umbrella handle is made of thermoplastic rubber material.

7. An umbrella based on a jellyfish bionic soft structure as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: An umbrella pad is arranged at the lower end of the umbrella handle.

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