Parasol Power Coupling With Pivot Lock for Tool-Free Heater Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standing parasols lack a reliable and tool-free mechanism for quickly attaching and removing power consumers like radiant heaters, which is crucial for outdoor use, especially in hospitality and recreational areas.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with first and second coupling parts that allow for a releasable attachment of power loads to parasol components, enabling an electrically operative connection through coaxially aligned plug members and a pivoting mechanism to switch between locked and released positions, ensuring secure mechanical and electrical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiant heaters are attached to parasol supporting elements, then protection against hypothermia is achieved, but reliable and quick attachment/removal without tools is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the lever can pivot between locked and unlocked positions. The locking element engages with the locking recess only when the lever is in the correct position, providing reliable attachment when locked but allowing quick release when unlocked without tools
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is divided into separate functional components: a locking element with engagement features, a lever with pivot axis, and a locking recess. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide both secure attachment and easy release
2Strength
If mechanical attachment of radiant heaters is implemented, then protection against hypothermia is achieved, but tool-free attachment and removal is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection uses a dynamic lever mechanism that provides strong engagement when locked through the locking element and recess, but allows easy release by simply pivoting the lever to the unlocked position without requiring tools
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is designed to be self-latching through the engagement between the locking element and locking recess, maintaining strong mechanical connection automatically once attached, and can be released by the user's own action of moving the lever without external tools
Data Source
AI summary
A standing parasol (1) comprises a connection device (2) for releasably attaching a power load (4) onto a parasol component (6) of the standing parasol (1), wherein the connection device (2) comprises a first coupling part (8) being electrically and mechanically operatively connected to the power load (4) and a second coupling part (10) being electrically and mechanically operatively connected to the parasol component (6). By moving the first and second plug members (12, 14) towards each other, an inserted plug position providing an electrically operative connection between the first coupling part (8) and the second coupling part (10) is achievable. By pivoting the first coupling part (8) with respect to the second coupling part (10), a change between an axially released plug position and an axially locked plug position of the connecting device (2) is achieved.