Automatic Reverse Multi-Folding Umbrella Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic multi-folding umbrellas do not fully fold automatically, leading to exposure of the outer umbrella cloth surface when folded, resulting in user exposure to rain and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An automatic reverse multi-folding umbrella design featuring a frame, middle rod set, upper and lower nests, umbrella opening/closing control system, and operating system with three pull ropes and a power source, allowing for full automatic unfolding and folding while reversing the umbrella cloth to prevent outer surface exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the umbrella is designed to fold automatically using springs and control devices, then the unfolding and folding speed is improved, but the umbrella cloth outer surface is exposed after folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the traditional folding direction. Instead of the umbrella cloth folding outward with the ribs, the design makes the ribs fold inward toward the handle while the cloth folds outward. This is achieved through a modified control device that releases the buckle in a specific sequence, allowing the inner rib to fold first, then the middle rib, and finally the outer rib, with the cloth following the rib movement. This inversion ensures the cloth surface remains protected while maintaining automatic folding functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the button is pressed to release the buckle in the middle rod, then the umbrella can be folded, but the umbrella is not fully folded and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the control device with a buckle that is released in a specific sequence when the button is pressed. The buckle is designed to release the inner rib first, then the middle rib, and finally the outer rib, allowing the umbrella to fold completely automatically without requiring manual intervention. This pre-planned sequence of actions ensures full automation while maintaining ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If the outer rib is folded inward to protect the cloth, then the umbrella folds completely, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by arranging the ribs in a nested configuration where the inner rib, middle rib, and outer rib are positioned concentrically. The control device utilizes this nested structure to release the buckle in a sequential manner, allowing each rib to fold inward in turn. This nested arrangement simplifies the control mechanism by leveraging the existing spatial relationship between ribs, avoiding the need for complex additional components while achieving complete automatic folding.
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 full automatic unfolding and folding of the umbrella, keeping the outer surface of the umbrella cloth inside, thus preventing user exposure to rain and enhancing convenience, comfort, and speed of use.
Implementation Method 1
The frame includes a main rib and a sub-rib. The main rib includes an inner rib, an intermediate rib, an outer rib, an intermediate rib return line, an outer rib return line, and a spring.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic reverse multi-folding umbrella includes a frame, an umbrella cloth secured on the frame, a middle rod set, an upper nest fixed to an upper end of the middle rod set, a lower nest fitted on the middle rod set, a handle, an umbrella opening/closing control system disposed in the middle rod set, and an umbrella opening/closing operating system disposed in the handle and the middle rod set. The umbrella can be folded and unfolded automatically. After the umbrella is folded, the umbrella cloth is folded reversely and the outer surface of the umbrella cloth is folded inside the umbrella, such that the umbrella can be used more conveniently, comfortably and quickly.