Pneumatic Umbrella Column for Low-Cost Automatic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrellas are either manually operated, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, or use motor-driven gears or worm gear mechanisms that are costly and require high maintenance, making them difficult to popularize.
Innovation Solution
An electrically-operated umbrella with a pneumatic structure comprising an inner and outer tube, an electric air pump, and a wireless control system that uses a rechargeable battery and solar panel to inflate or deflate an air chamber, allowing for easy folding and unfolding through the sliding motion of the inner tube relative to the outer tube, with a buffering air chamber to withstand external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motor-driven gears or worm gear mechanisms are used to operate the umbrella, then the umbrella can be automatically unfolded and folded, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional motor-driven gear mechanism with an electric air pump that uses pneumatic pressure to drive the sliding column. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmission components (gears, worms, bearings) while achieving automated opening and closing functions, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic system using an electric air pump, air chamber, and air hole to control the sliding column's movement. By utilizing pneumatic pressure differential (pressurizing to open, depressurizing to close), the system achieves automated operation without mechanical gears, resolving the contradiction between automation and manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If manually-operated umbrellas are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the operation is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the umbrella to operate itself through an automated control system. The control module receives signals (manual button press or wireless remote) and automatically controls the air pump to open or close the umbrella, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of rods and joints while keeping the structure simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding column mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports the canopy, provides the opening/closing motion, and acts as part of the pneumatic system (with air holes for pressure equalization). This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining low manufacturing cost while achieving automated operation.
3Strength
If the umbrella structure is made rigid to withstand external forces, then the structural strength increases, but the ability to buffer external forces like wind decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an air chamber that can be pressurized in advance to create a cushioning effect. When external forces like wind act on the umbrella, the pressurized air in the chamber absorbs and dampens the impact forces, protecting the structural components from damage while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the air in the chamber from atmospheric pressure to pressurized state. This parameter change (pressure increase) transforms the air into a compressible cushion that can absorb external forces, allowing the structure to remain strong while gaining flexibility to withstand wind and other environmental forces.
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 provides a simple, low-cost, and safe umbrella that is easy to operate, extends its service life by buffering external forces, and enhances user experience through wireless control.
Implementation Method 1
an electric air pump disposed inside the inner tube to inflate or deflate the air chamber so as to drive the inner tube to slide up and down
Implementation Method 2
the air chamber is a buffering area for an external force
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically-operated umbrella comprises a column (1), an upper tray (2), a lower tray (3), a plurality of long rods (4), a plurality of short rods (5), and an electric air pump (6). One end of each short rod (5) is rotatably connected to the lower tray (3), the other end of each short rod (5) is rotatably connected to the middle portion or the upper portion of the corresponding long rod (4); the column (1) comprises an inner tube (11), and an outer tube (12), the outer tube (12) is sleeved around the inner tube (11); a closed air chamber (A) is defined between the bottom of the inner tube (11) and the bottom or the lower portion of the outer tube (12); the upper tray (2) is connected to the top of the inner tube (11), the lower tray (3) is connected to the outer tube (12) and sleeved around the outer tube (12); the electric air pump (6) is disposed inside the inner tube (11). The present invention is simple in structure, easy and quick to operate, free of lots of structural members, and low in cost. The service life of the umbrella is prolonged, umbrella becomes safer and more reliable in use, and the user experience is greatly improved.