Linear Umbrella Rope Mechanism for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrellas, both manual and automatic, face challenges in opening and closing mechanisms that are either inconvenient to use or costly to manufacture, with complex power transmission structures increasing weight and size.
Innovation Solution
A linear umbrella design utilizing two deployment and folding ropes with a releaser and tension component to simplify the structure, reduce weight, and lower manufacturing costs, allowing for easy operation with minimal power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple springs and connecting components are installed to enable automatic opening and closing, then the umbrella can operate automatically, but the structure becomes complex and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex power transmission structure (gears, belts, multiple springs) from the umbrella system. Instead of installing multiple connecting components and springs inside the umbrella hub, the invention uses a simplified rope-based mechanism where the umbrella hub is directly pulled by deployment and folding ropes, significantly reducing structural complexity while maintaining automatic operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical power transmission system (gear sets, timing belts, multiple springs) with a simpler rope-based mechanical system. The deployment and folding ropes directly transmit force from the handle to the umbrella hub, eliminating the need for complex intermediate mechanical components and reducing overall system complexity
2Extent of automation
If multiple springs and connecting components are installed to enable automatic opening and closing, then the umbrella can operate automatically, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive components such as multiple springs, gear sets, and timing belts from the manufacturing process. By using simple ropes and a basic releaser mechanism, the invention significantly reduces material costs and assembly complexity, making the automatic umbrella more affordable to manufacture while maintaining the automatic opening and closing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive rope materials and a simple releaser mechanism instead of expensive, complex mechanical components. The ropes can be made from cost-effective materials and the releaser uses basic mechanical elements, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while achieving the desired automatic operation
3Reliability
If rack gear, worm gear, timing belt are used to improve reliability, then the opening and closing operation becomes more reliable, but the power transmission structure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex power transmission components (rack gear, worm gear, timing belt) from the system. Instead of installing these complex mechanisms inside the central rod, the invention uses a simple rope-based direct pull system that achieves reliable operation without the complexity of multiple gear sets and belts, making assembly much easier
4Reliability
If many components are installed inside the central rod to improve reliability, then the opening and closing operation becomes more reliable, but the size and weight of the central rod increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes heavy components such as gear sets, timing belts, and multiple springs from the central rod. By using lightweight ropes and a simple releaser mechanism, the invention significantly reduces the weight of the central rod while maintaining reliable opening and closing operation through the simplified rope-based force transmission system
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
The solution enables a lightweight, easy-to-use umbrella that can function both manually and automatically, with reduced power consumption and increased durability, while maintaining the deployed state without additional power, enhancing user convenience and product reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a tension component to keep said deployment rope and folding rope in tension during the release and retraction
Implementation Method 2
a deployment rope fixed to said umbrella hub so as to pull said umbrella hub towards said top cover to deploy the umbrella
Implementation Method 3
a folding rope fixed to said umbrella hub so as to pull said umbrella hub downwards to a lower part of the central rod to fold the umbrella
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a linear umbrella, comprising a central rod, a top cover, an umbrella hub and umbrella ribs connected to the top cover and umbrella hub, further comprising: a deployment rope fixed to the umbrella hub so as to pull the umbrella hub towards the top cover to deploy the umbrella; a folding rope fixed to the umbrella hub so as to pull the umbrella hub downwards to the lower part of the central rod to fold the umbrella; a releaser disposed at a side of the lower part of the central rod and fixing end parts of the deployment rope and folding rope to allow for mutual release and retraction the deployment rope and folding rope upon rotation; and a tension component to keep the deployment rope and folding rope in tension during the release and retraction.