Hands-Free Umbrella with Adjustable Wearable Harness Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Umbrellas face challenges in handling harsh environmental elements, requiring user intervention and being limited in addressing perpendicular or vertical rainfall, and often necessitate the use of one or both hands, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free responsive umbrella with a wearable strap or harness mechanism that allows adjustable extension and includes a modular stem system for various user sizes, enabling operation without hands and enhanced stability against elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hand-held umbrella is used, then the umbrella can provide basic rain protection, but the user's hands are occupied and cannot perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hands-free mechanism as an intermediary device that connects the umbrella to the user's body (waist, shoulder, or backpack). This mediator transfers the holding function from the hands to another part of the body, allowing hands-free operation while maintaining simple umbrella structure. The hands-free mechanism includes attachment points and support structures that distribute the umbrella's weight away from the hands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-angle umbrella is used, then the structure is simple, but the umbrella cannot adapt to different ambient conditions and user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability in the umbrella structure, allowing the cover angle and stem position to be modified based on ambient conditions. The umbrella can adjust its tilt angle to optimize rain protection during walking versus standing, and the cover can be extended or retracted to provide different levels of protection. These dynamic adjustments enable the umbrella to adapt to various weather conditions and user activities without requiring complex automated systems.
3Reliability
If a traditional umbrella design is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the umbrella cannot effectively address perpendicular or vertical rainfall affected by wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the umbrella structure into modular components: a separate cover portion and support structure, adjustable stem sections, and distinct attachment points for the hands-free mechanism. This segmentation allows the cover to be positioned and angled independently to effectively block perpendicular or vertical rainfall affected by wind. The modular design enables the support structure to provide rigidity while allowing the cover to orient optimally against wind-driven rain from various directions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a responsive umbrella with a hands-free mechanism that allows a user to operate and hold the responsive umbrella without requiring the use of their hands. The hands-free mechanism may be a wearable strap or harness. A responsive umbrella may be adjustable for the angle of extension from the hands-free mechanism, which may allow a user to adapt the responsive umbrella for different ambient conditions.