Motorized Umbrella Arm for Hands-Free Stroller Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional umbrellas require manual support, limiting users' ability to perform two-handed tasks like pushing a stroller or wheelchair while maintaining the umbrella upright, and lack adjustability for optimal canopy positioning.
Innovation Solution
An electronic umbrella system with a motorized extendable arm and adjustable rod, allowing hands-free operation and adjustable canopy positioning via a motor, controls, and a fastener for secure attachment to strollers or wheelchairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional manual umbrella is used, then the user can protect themselves from sun and rain, but the user's hands are occupied and cannot perform two-handed tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical support system with an electronic motorized system. The motor (14) automatically extends and retracts the arm (19) that holds the umbrella canopy, eliminating the need for manual arm support while providing hands-free operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary motorized arm mechanism (16, 19) between the user and the umbrella canopy. This intermediary system handles the support and positioning functions, freeing the user's hands while maintaining canopy support through the motorized arm structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If an open umbrella is attached to a support surface, then the umbrella can be hands-free, but the adjustability to position the canopy over the user is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability through the motorized arm system. The arm (19) can be extended to various lengths and positioned at different angles, allowing the canopy to be dynamically adjusted to cover different user positions and orientations, unlike fixed attachment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the support structure into segmented, adjustable components including the extendable arm (16, 19) and pivotally affixed canopy (20). This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve optimal canopy positioning over the user
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic umbrella is provided. The device includes a housing having a fastener disposed on a lower surface thereof. A motor is disposed within the housing, wherein the motor is operably connected to a power source disposed within the housing. A rod is affixed to an upper surface of the housing. An extendable arm is affixed to the rod, wherein the extendable arm is operably connected to the motor. Upon actuation of the motor, the extendable arm moves between an extended position and a retracted position. The device further includes an umbrella assembly having a central support, a plurality of ribs extending from the central support, and a canopy affixed over the plurality of ribs. The central support is pivotally affixed to a distal end of the extendable arm.