Parasol Mast Locking Lever Nesting Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for rotating feet of parasol masts are either inconvenient to use, prone to jamming, require excessive force, or compromise wind stability and aesthetics, particularly in scenarios where the parasol's orientation needs to be adjusted frequently or securely fixed.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with an operating lever positioned at a comfort height, allowing for discreet folding into the mast groove, which cooperates with a lifting bar to engage or disengage the rotating foot, providing precise control and reliable operation with a single-piece configuration and flexible connection, enabling fine rotational adjustments and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking system with multiple components (lever, pressure bar, tilting lever, spring, toothed ring) is used, then the parasol can be rotated and locked, but the system becomes prone to malfunction, jamming, and requires excessive operating force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into functionally independent components: an operating lever that engages with a locking lever, which separately interacts with a toothed ring for positioning. This segmentation isolates failure modes and simplifies the force transmission path, reducing both operating force and malfunction risk
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is extracted from the force transmission path and used only for maintaining engagement pressure, while the primary locking action is achieved through direct lever-to-tooth engagement. This removes unnecessary components from the critical force path, reducing complexity and reliability issues
2Adaptability or versatility
If a borehole through the mast is created for the locking mechanism, then the parasol can be rotated, but the mast structure is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components (toothed ring, locking lever) are nested within the mast structure or mounted on its surface rather than requiring through-boreholes. The operating lever engages these nested components without penetrating the mast, preserving structural integrity while enabling rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a through-mast borehole design to a surface-mounted or integrated nested structure. The operating lever approaches the locking components from the lateral dimension rather than through the mast axis, avoiding structural weakening
3Ease of operation
If an exposed operating bracket is used for rotation, then the parasol can be easily operated, but it tempts unauthorized manipulation and offers poor aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The operating lever is nested within a groove or recess in the mast structure, concealing it when not in use. The lever can still be accessed for operation but is not prominently exposed, reducing aesthetic impact and preventing unauthorized manipulation by guests
4Ease of operation
If a protruding handle close to the ground is used for operation, then the parasol can be rotated, but it creates a stumbling hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The operating lever is repositioned from a low, ground-proximal location to a higher position on the mast within a groove. This vertical dimension change eliminates the stumbling hazard while maintaining operational accessibility through the groove structure
5Ease of operation
If a long swiveling operating lever is used, then the parasol can be operated from a distance, but it protrudes and offers itself to uncontrolled manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The operating lever is nested within a mast groove, concealing its length when not in use. The groove contains the lever, preventing it from protruding and offering itself to manipulation, while still providing adequate leverage for operation when engaged
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 enhances the usability and reliability of the locking system by allowing precise control of the parasol's orientation, reducing the risk of jamming and excessive force requirements, while maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing design, and ensuring easy installation and mounting options.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting bar 12 is raised in its release position and lowered in its locking position
Implementation Method 2
The operating lever 8 is connected via a connecting hinge 10 to the upper end of a lifting bar 12
Implementation Method 3
spring means (16) are present to urge the lifting bar into the fully lowered position
Data Source
AI summary
In a locking system for a rotating foot of a mast, particularly of a mast for a free arm standing parasol, the mast is rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) defined by the rotating foot and includes a surrounded mast region. The locking system includes an operating lever for releasing or locking of the rotating foot which is arranged on the mast at a comfort height (H) of 0.5 to 1.5 m above the rotating foot, wherein the operating lever is movable between a folded-out position and a downwardly folded-in position and thereby cooperates via a lifting bar with stationary engaging elements of the rotating foot, wherein the lifting bar is raised in the release position and lowered in the locking position. To improve operability and operational security, the lifting bar is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation (A) and externally of the surrounded mast region.