Hand-Held Motorized Umbrella for One-Handed Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held umbrellas are inconvenient to use, difficult to assemble, and require both hands for operation and pairing with devices like phones, especially in rainy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A motorized umbrella with a motorized folding mechanism that allows one-handed operation, integration with phones for audio functionality, and simplified assembly using a single tool and process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two hands for operation and device pairing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based automatic opening mechanism with an electric motor-driven system. The motor is coupled to the runner through a transmission mechanism (gear or pulley system), converting electrical energy to mechanical motion for opening and closing the umbrella. This substitution enables one-handed operation while maintaining automated functionality, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional assembly processes are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to requiring multiple tools and multiple processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the umbrella into modular components: shaft, handle, motor assembly, runner, canopy, and rib assembly. Each component can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, then assembled together. The motor assembly is pre-integrated with the shaft, and the runner is designed as a separate replaceable component. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts while maintaining overall precision through standardized interfaces and assembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If motorized mechanism is added, then ease of operation is improved for one-handed use, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the motorized mechanism: the motor not only opens and closes the umbrella but also potentially controls the Bluetooth pairing process and serves as part of the audio output system. The runner mechanism serves both as the actuation point for the motor and as the structural element that transfers force to open/close the canopy. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is embedded within the shaft structure, and the transmission mechanism (gears or pulleys) is housed within the handle assembly. The runner is integrated with the shaft, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are contained within larger structural elements. This nesting minimizes the overall space required for the motorized system and reduces the visual and structural complexity of the umbrella.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella may be provided including a hub, a plurality of arms, a plurality of stretchers, a plurality of ribs, a runner, and a motor. Each of the plurality of stretchers is coupled to the hub at one of a plurality of first joints. Each of the plurality of stretchers is coupled to one of the plurality of arms. Each of the plurality of ribs extends outwardly from one of the plurality of arms. Each of the plurality of the arms is more rigid than each of the plurality of ribs. The runner is moveable from a first position to a second position. Each of the stretchers is coupled to the runner at one of the plurality of second joints. The motor is coupled to the runner. The motor is adapted to move the runner from the first position to the second position.