Parasol Elastic Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parasols require significant manual effort and time to deploy the canvas from a retracted to a deployed position, especially with larger surfaces, which is restrictive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic element, such as a torsion spring, that causes the upper end rib to pivot relative to the lower end rib, allowing the canvas to deploy automatically and instantaneously without user effort, using a system of articulated ribs and attachment portions that extend radially from an axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual deployment method is used, then the parasol structure remains simple, but the user effort and time required for deployment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element enables the canvas to deploy automatically without user intervention. When the retaining means is released, the elastic element self-generates the force needed to pivot the ribs and deploy the canvas, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is pre-loaded in a compressed or twisted state during assembly, storing potential energy in advance. This preliminary action allows the canvas to deploy rapidly when released, as the pre-stored energy is converted to kinetic energy of deployment without requiring user effort during the actual deployment moment.
2Area of stationary object
If manual deployment is used for large surface area canvas, then the parasol provides adequate shade, but the manual effort required becomes excessive and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element provides the force needed to deploy large canvas surfaces automatically. The stored elastic energy compensates for the increased force requirements of larger canvas areas, eliminating the need for users to exert significant manual effort regardless of canvas size.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element's force characteristics can be adjusted by changing parameters such as spring constant, pre-load amount, or element dimensions. This allows the deployment force to be optimized for different canvas sizes and weights, enabling large surfaces to be deployed easily without proportionally increasing user effort.
3Speed
If automatic deployment with elastic element is added, then deployment speed increases to instantaneous, but the fastening means becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element creates a self-accelerating deployment mechanism. Once initiated by releasing the retaining means, the system automatically completes deployment at high speed without requiring external input or complex control systems, achieving instantaneous deployment through simple passive mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is pre-loaded during assembly to store potential energy. This preliminary action enables rapid deployment when released, as the pre-stored energy is converted to kinetic energy, achieving high deployment speed without requiring complex active control systems or power sources during operation.
4Ease of operation
If elastic element is incorporated for automatic deployment, then user effort is eliminated, but the manufacturing cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element enables automatic deployment that eliminates the need for complex motors, sensors, or control systems. This simple passive mechanical approach achieves user-friendly operation while keeping manufacturing costs low, as elastic elements are inexpensive components that can be easily integrated into existing parasol manufacturing processes.
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
Enables quick and effortless deployment of the canvas, reducing user discomfort and time required for setup, while maintaining a shaded surface around the parasol's foot, and simplifying the design and cost of the parasol.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element consists of a torsion spring connected to the lower end rib and the upper end rib, and configured so as to apply a force extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a radial direction of the axis, to said upper end rib, and to said lower end rib
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A parasol (1) comprising: - a base (2), - a canopy (3), connected to the base (2) by means of fastening means (4), wherein said fastening means (4) comprise: - an axle (41), - a plurality of ribs (42e, 42i), all articulated about said axle (41), wherein the ribs (42e, 42i) define two end ribs (42e) and a plurality of intermediate ribs (42i), such that the canopy (3) can move: - from a retracted position, in which the ribs (42e, 42i) are superimposed along the axial direction (A41) of the axle (41), to - an extended position, in which several ribs (42e, 42i) are pivoted about the axle (41), characterized in that said fastening means (4) further comprise an elastic element (45) configured to drive the transition from the retracted position to the deployed position of the canvas (3).