Center Pole Locking Structure for Stable Umbrella Base Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor umbrellas face stability issues due to the center pole prone to rotation, leading to wobbling and safety hazards, and the assembly process is inconvenient and labor-intensive, especially with out-of-round center poles.
Innovation Solution
A center pole fixing structure with a movable pin and flange ring that constrains rotation, allowing quick mounting and dismounting, and accommodating different diameters through transition sleeves, enhancing stability and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the center pole is fixed using bolt pins and screws/nuts, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is divided into separate components: a fixing seat with positioning blocks, and a center pole with corresponding positioning grooves and locking structures. This segmentation allows for quick engagement and disengagement while maintaining connection stability through the distributed positioning blocks and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The center pole incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the locking block automatically engages with the fixing seat upon insertion, and a release mechanism allows for easy disengagement. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual screw tightening and loosening, significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time while ensuring reliable connection.
2Ease of operation
If the center pole is directly inserted into the base, then assembly is simple, but the center pole is prone to rotation and wobbling
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure employs asymmetric positioning blocks and corresponding positioning grooves that prevent rotational movement. The locking block with its specific geometry engages with the fixing seat in a non-symmetric manner, eliminating wobble while maintaining simple assembly through the plug-and-play design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing seat acts as an intermediary component between the base and the center pole, providing a stable mounting interface. The positioning blocks and locking structures on the fixing seat work together to prevent rotation and wobbling, while the overall structure remains simple to assemble and disassemble.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base is made from massive stones, then the umbrella is stable, but the base is heavy and difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing seat incorporates adjustable parameters including different positioning block configurations and locking mechanisms that can be adapted to various center pole diameters. This adjustability allows the same fixing seat design to work with different pole sizes, providing stability without requiring custom-heavy bases for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing seat is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different center pole diameters through adjustable positioning blocks and interchangeable locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple heavy specialized bases, providing stable fixation across various umbrella configurations while keeping the base lightweight and movable.
4Ease of manufacture
If the center pole outer diameter varies due to manufacturing tolerances, then production is easier, but the fitness degree with the base decreases causing wobbling
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning blocks are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt to variations in center pole outer diameter. The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that can accommodate dimensional tolerances while maintaining a secure, wobble-free connection. This dynamic adjustment capability preserves manufacturing flexibility while ensuring precise fit.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a center pole fixing structure, including a center pole (1) and a base (9). The base is provided with a center hole (91). The center pole is inserted into the center hole to be fixed. An antidisengagement fixing structure is formed between the center pole and the base, achieves fixing by relative rotation of the center pole and the base, and constrains movement of the center pole in an axial direction thereof. A stopper for constraining the rotation of the center pole is disposed between the center pole and the base. The stopper is a movable pin (7), and the movable pin is controlled to enter or exit, thereby locking or unlocking the relative rotation of the center pole and the base. According to the disclosure, the center pole and the base are convenient to mount and dismount, and the fixed structure is firm and stable.