Manual Drill-Bit Umbrella Stand for Easier Sand Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beach umbrella anchoring systems require significant strength and coordination to penetrate sand and often rely on electrical power, which is not always available, especially in remote beach settings.
Innovation Solution
A manually extendable drill bit mechanism integrated with a gear train assembly and stabilizing plate, allowing the drill bit to be rotated and translated between retracted and extended positions using a crank handle, reducing the need for strength and coordination and eliminating the requirement for electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated drill bit is included to facilitate penetration, then sand penetration capability is improved, but device complexity increases and requires more strength and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drill bit mechanism with the anchoring stand structure, integrating the drilling function into the overall anchoring system rather than using separate components. The drill bit is mechanically coupled to the stand body, allowing it to rotate and translate along a defined path while maintaining structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill bit is designed to be dynamically movable, rotating on its axis and translating along the longitudinal axis of the stand. This dynamic configuration allows the drill bit to adapt its position and orientation during operation, improving penetration capability while the mechanical coupling maintains operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If electrically operated drill bit is used to assist with sand penetration, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to power availability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The manual crank mechanism allows the user to directly power the drill bit through mechanical input, eliminating dependence on external power sources. The system converts user-generated mechanical energy directly into drilling action, ensuring operation in remote locations without electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical power systems with a purely mechanical crank-driven system. The manual crank converts rotational motion into the combined rotation and translation of the drill bit, providing a reliable power source that functions independently of electrical infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If only a dull point is provided on the lower post, then device complexity is minimized, but sand penetration capability is insufficient requiring great strength and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit features a helical or auger shape with curved cutting edges designed to efficiently engage and remove sand particles. This curved geometry concentrates force effectively and creates a self-cleaning action that maintains penetration capability with minimal user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating motion of the drill bit, combined with its helical geometry, creates vibratory action during penetration. This vibration helps break up sand compaction and reduces friction, enabling easier penetration without requiring excessive downward force or coordination.
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 provides a stable anchoring mechanism that requires less strength and coordination, operates without electricity, and ensures the beach umbrella is securely anchored in the sand, enhancing user convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The gear train assembly includes a plurality of gears and a worm gear to transform and amplify the rotational motion and force applied by the user to the crank handle, enabling the drill bit to penetrate sand with reduced user effort
Implementation Method 2
A threaded lead screw is attached to the top end of the drill shaft and positioned within the elongate housing body. The threaded lead screw is mechanically coupled to the threaded sleeve of the housing assembly. Manual operation of the crank handle rotates and translates the drill bit between the retracted position and an extended position
Implementation Method 3
The bearing assembly is positioned within the elongate housing body and facilitates smooth operation of the drill mechanism by reducing friction during rotation and translation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an anchoring umbrella stand with a manually extendable drill bit. In certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the anchoring umbrella stand includes a drill bit that can be manually extendable from and manually retractable into an elongate housing body by use of a crank handle. Manual operation of the crank handle rotates and translates the drill bit between a retracted position within the elongate housing body and an extended position outside the elongate housing body. In certain embodiments, the anchoring umbrella stand further includes a gear train assembly and/or a stabilizing plate to further aid a user in anchoring the umbrella stand. The anchoring umbrella stand facilitates umbrella anchoring by providing a more stable anchoring mechanism that requires less strength, less coordination, and no electric power to operate.