Retractable Auger Mechanism for Beach Umbrella Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beach umbrellas are inherently unstable due to loose or hard ground conditions, and current solutions require separate, cumbersome, and often exposed auger mechanisms that are difficult to manage and store, leading to instability and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-guiding, retractable, and electro-mechanically operated auger mechanism integrated within the umbrella pole, powered by a rechargeable motor and battery, allowing for secure anchoring at various depths without additional parts and minimizing exposure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate auger mechanism is used to secure the umbrella, then the umbrella can be anchored, but the user must manage and remember multiple separate pieces of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auger mechanism, motor, battery, and control circuitry into a single integrated unit that attaches to the umbrella pole. This merging eliminates the need for separate auger and power supply components, allowing the user to manage only one device instead of multiple separate pieces of equipment while maintaining reliable anchoring capability.
2Ease of operation
If the auger mechanism is exposed to facilitate operation, then the user can easily operate the auger, but the exposed auger creates safety hazards and is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the auger mechanism inside a protective housing that is part of the integrated unit attached to the umbrella pole. The auger is nested within this housing and can be extended for operation then retracted for protection, eliminating the need for the auger to be permanently exposed while maintaining ease of operation through the integrated control system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the auger is made retractable to reduce exposure risks, then safety is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor and control circuitry system. The motor automatically extends and retracts the auger based on control signals from the user, eliminating the need for complex manual mechanical retractable mechanisms while maintaining safety benefits of the retractable design.
4Area of stationary object
If the umbrella is made larger to provide more cover, then the umbrella provides better protection, but the umbrella becomes harder to handle and secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an automatic drive mechanism that uses motor power to automatically extend the auger to the required depth and secure the umbrella in the ground. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually struggle with securing large umbrellas, making even large umbrellas easy to handle and secure through automated assistance.
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 stable and secure beach umbrella base without increasing the umbrella's length, is easy to operate, and eliminates the need for separate equipment, enhancing user safety and convenience by integrating the auger mechanism within the umbrella pole.
Implementation Method 1
a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism comprising a motor
Implementation Method 2
an auger bit attached to the drive mechanism such that rotation of the auger bit drives the auger bit into the ground
Data Source
AI summary
An improved self-anchoring umbrella, the umbrella comprising a canopy and pole, a retractable auger disposed within the pole of the umbrella. The retractable auger is operated using an electric motor and portable power source, and a switch allowing a user to provide power to the electric motor which rotates a drive head with spiral teeth engaged within spiral grooves in the pole. The umbrella may further include a table portion, and extendable stabilizing legs disposed in the lower portion of the pole. When the auger portion is screwed into sand or other surface and the stabilizing legs are engaged with the surface, the invention provides a stable umbrella for outdoor recreation and other purposes.