Cantilever Umbrella Canopy Control Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella designs lack flexibility in canopy operation, with limited ability to change configurations and prone to complexity and failure modes due to intricate mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cantilever umbrella with a support pole, boom, and housing featuring a shade angle mechanism with a locking device and actuator, allowing for 360-degree rotation and adjustable tilt angles, along with a slide mechanism for opening and closing the canopy, simplifying the operation and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to provide flexible canopy operation and multiple configurations, then the adaptability and versatility of the umbrella is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is divided into distinct functional components: a housing containing a spool for tension member winding, a crank for rotating the spool, a shade angle mechanism with actuator for boom rotation, and a locking device for position fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella employs dynamic components including a rotatable boom that can be tilted to various angles, a slide mechanism that moves along the support pole, and a spool that winds/unwinds the tension member to control canopy deployment. These dynamic elements enable flexible canopy operation without requiring complex fixed mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to provide flexible canopy operation and multiple configurations, then the adaptability and versatility of the umbrella is improved, but the reliability worsens due to increased failure modes
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is extracted as a self-contained unit with all necessary components (spool, crank, actuator, locking device) integrated within a housing. This extraction creates a modular design that is easier to manufacture, maintain, and replace, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to securely hold the boom at selected angles, preventing unintended movement and providing mechanical stability. This pre-engineered locking mechanism cushions against potential failure modes by ensuring positive engagement at each positioned, reducing the risk of accidental canopy collapse or misalignment.
3Device complexity
If the mounting of the canopy controls is positioned to shorten the tension member path, then the device complexity and failure modes are reduced, but the operational flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is integrated within the housing of the control module, and the tension member is directly routed from the spool to the canopy assembly. This merging of the winding mechanism with the control housing shortens the tension member path, reducing the number of connection points and potential failure modes while maintaining the ability to deploy and retract the canopy.
Data Source
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AI summary
An umbrella (10) is provided that has a transverse member mounted canopy control module (22). The umbrella (10) has a support structure (14) and a canopy (18). The support structure (14) has a first support member (34) having an upper end and a second support member (42). The second support member (42) has a first end disposed adjacent to the first support member (34) and a second end disposed away from the first end. The second support member (42) extending along a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first support member (34). The canopy (18) has an upper hub (70). The upper hub (70) is coupled with the second support member (42). The umbrella (10) also has an enclosure (160) disposed at the first end of the second support member (42). A canopy control mechanism is at least partially disposed in the enclosure (160) to alter the configuration of the canopy (18).