Motorized Umbrella Runner Geometry for Fast Low-Wear Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held umbrellas are inconvenient to use, difficult to assemble, and suffer from mechanical wear due to long runner movement, limiting their functionality and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A motorized umbrella with a runner that moves only 6.7% of the canopy's diameter, allowing one-handed operation, easy assembly with a single tool, and integration with a phone for hands-free use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the runner moves a substantial distance (30%-50% of canopy diameter) to open the canopy, then the user can open the umbrella with moderate effort, but it takes longer to open the umbrella and causes frictional and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the folding mechanism, specifically the arrangement and length ratios of arms and stretchers, to achieve a mechanical advantage that enables rapid opening with minimal runner travel (6.7% of canopy diameter vs. traditional 30-50%). This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by maintaining user-friendly force requirements while dramatically reducing opening time and mechanical wear.
2Device complexity
If manual mechanisms are used for opening and closing, then the structure is simple, but it is inconvenient and messy to close after rain has soaked the canopy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical closing operation with an electric motor-driven system. The motor automatically reverses the folding sequence, pulling the runner and stretchers to close the canopy without requiring the user to manually manipulate wet, heavy components. This substitution maintains relatively simple overall structure while dramatically improving ease of operation in soaked conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools and multiple processes are used for assembly, then the umbrella can be assembled with various components, but it drives up the cost of umbrella assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple assembly operations into a single integrated process using one tool. The folding mechanism is designed so that arms, stretchers, and the runner can be assembled together in one continuous operation rather than requiring separate riveting, stitching, and screwing steps. This consolidation maintains component versatility while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Force
If the runner moves a long distance, then the canopy can be opened with moderate effort, but it reduces the lifespan of the umbrella due to frictional and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the folding mechanism to achieve a mechanical advantage that enables effective canopy opening with minimal runner displacement (6.7% of canopy diameter). This parameter change dramatically reduces the path length over which friction and wear occur, thereby extending umbrella lifespan while maintaining user-friendly opening effort through optimized force transmission geometry.
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 umbrella provides convenient, rapid opening and closing, reduces mechanical wear, and lowers manufacturing costs while enabling hands-free phone use.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is adapted to move the runner from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, an umbrella is provided including a hub, a plurality of arms, a plurality of stretchers, a canopy, a runner, and a motor. Each of the plurality of stretchers is coupled to the hub. Each of the plurality of stretchers is coupled to one of the plurality of arms. The canopy has a maximum diameter and extends over the hub and arms. The runner is moveable from a first position to a second position along an advancement distance. Each of the stretchers is coupled to the runner. The advancement distance of the runner is no more than 6.7% of the maximum diameter of the canopy. The motor is coupled to the runner. The motor is adapted to move the runner from the first position to the second position.