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 rotating relative to the base, leading to wobbling and safety hazards, especially under variable loads, and the assembly process is cumbersome and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A center pole fixing structure with an anti-disengagement fixing structure that includes a stopper to constrain rotation, a flange ring for enhanced stability, and a transition sleeve for different diameters, allowing quick mounting and dismounting through elastic locking pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the center pole is fixed to the base using bolt pins and screws/nuts, then the connection is initially stable, but the center pole is prone to rotation under variable loads, causing wobbling and safety hazards after long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static bolt-screw connection into a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking block can rotate and engage with different positions on the center pole. This dynamic adjustment allows the connection to adapt to variations in the center pole's outer diameter and maintains stable locking under variable loads, preventing rotation and wobbling while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is divided into multiple sectors with locking blocks distributed around the center hole. This segmentation allows multiple independent locking points to constrain the center pole from rotating, significantly improving connection stability and reliability compared to a single bolt connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a massive stone base is used to support the center pole, then the stability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes cumbersome and labor-intensive, requiring time to lift the base to loosen bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking blocks are designed to rotate within grooves on the base surface, allowing quick engagement and disengagement of the center pole without requiring tools or lifting the base. This dynamic locking mechanism maintains stability while dramatically improving ease of operation for assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operated manually by rotating the center pole or locking blocks, eliminating the need for external tools or assistance. The user can independently assemble and disassemble the umbrella quickly without lifting the heavy base or using bolt loosening tools.
3Ease of manufacture
If the center pole outer diameter has out-of-roundness during manufacturing, then production is simpler, but the fitness degree between the center pole and base decreases, causing wobbling and reduced stability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking blocks can rotate and adjust their positions within grooves to accommodate variations in the center pole's outer diameter and out-of-roundness. This dynamic adjustment compensates for manufacturing tolerances, maintaining stable connection without requiring high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove dimensions and locking block positions are designed with appropriate tolerances to accommodate variations in center pole diameter. By allowing parameter variations within a range, the system maintains effective locking despite out-of-roundness in the center pole, balancing ease of manufacture with adequate fitness degree.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a center pole fixing structure, including a center pole and a base. The base is provided with a center hole. The center pole is inserted into the center hole to be fixed. An anti-disengagement 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, 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.