Cantilevered Umbrella Spring-Assisted Canopy Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cantilevered umbrellas with crank mechanisms are cumbersome to operate and position for maximum shade, as they require manual effort to open and adjust the canopy.
Innovation Solution
The use of a constant force spring or gas spring within the umbrella's mast to assist in opening and closing the canopy, combined with an over-center spring assembly to counterbalance the weight and hold the canopy in place, eliminates the need for a crank mechanism, allowing for effortless operation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a crank mechanism is used to open and close the canopy, then the canopy can be positioned, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the crank mechanism entirely from the system, extracting the cumbersome manual operation component while retaining the essential function of canopy positioning through spring-assisted automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism enables the canopy to open and close automatically through stored elastic energy, making the system self-operating without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex crank mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If a crank mechanism is used to open and close the canopy, then the canopy can be positioned, but the force required to operate it increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as a counterbalancing force that offsets the weight and resistance of the canopy and cantilevered arm, reducing the operating force required to a minimal level that allows effortless positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system provides self-powered operation, using stored elastic energy to perform the work of opening and closing the canopy, thereby eliminating the need for significant manual force application
3Area of stationary object
If the canopy is extended for maximum shade, then the shade coverage is improved, but the weight of the cantilevered arm and canopy makes positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is configured to counterbalance the combined weight of the cantilevered arm and extended canopy, providing mechanical advantage that enables easy positioning even when the canopy is fully extended for maximum shade coverage
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
This design reduces the force required to open and close the umbrella, provides effortless positioning, and ensures the canopy remains extended for maximum shade, enhancing user convenience and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one of the constant force spring or the gas spring can uncoil or extend as the carriage is lowered within the internal cavity of the mast
Implementation Method 2
The over-center spring assembly has a gas spring and a forked lever arm
Data Source
AI summary
A cantilevered umbrella comprising a mast having an elongated configuration, a cantilevered arm extending from the mast, a canopy extending from the cantilevered arm, a carriage connected to the cantilevered arm, and at least one of a constant force spring or a gas spring connected to the mast. The carriage is vertically moveable along the mast to move the canopy between an open position, wherein the canopy is extended, and a collapsed position, wherein the canopy is collapsed. The at least one of the constant force spring or the gas spring is operable with the carriage to assist with moving the canopy between the open position and the collapsed position and to counterbalance the weight of the cantilevered arm and the canopy.