360-Degree Rotating Outdoor Sunshade Cover Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small outdoor umbrellas, such as banana umbrellas, have complex and costly rotating mechanisms that are difficult to operate.
Innovation Solution
A 360-degree rotating sunshade cover mechanism featuring a sunshade post with an upper and lower sunshade post, a rotating mechanism between them, and a locking mechanism with multiple locking positions around the sunshade post, allowing easy rotation and locking of the upper sunshade post relative to the lower sunshade post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rotating mechanisms are used for small outdoor umbrellas, then the umbrella can rotate, but the structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: a rotating assembly for rotation, and a locking assembly with multiple locking positions for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to enable rotation and then adding separate locking features, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple rotating assembly combined with a straightforward locking assembly that engages at multiple predetermined positions. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while maintaining both rotation capability and positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If traditional rotating mechanisms are used for small outdoor umbrellas, then the umbrella can rotate, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the mechanism into a simple rotating assembly and a locking assembly with multiple locking positions, each component can be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a single complex rotating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, easily manufactured components such as pins, springs, and locking surfaces that can be produced cost-effectively through standard manufacturing processes, replacing expensive complex mechanical assemblies.
3Device complexity
If complex rotating mechanisms are used, then rotation is possible, but the operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the rotating assembly simple and the locking mechanism straightforward, rather than using a complex mechanism for rotation. This allows users to easily rotate the umbrella canopy while the simple locking assembly provides stable positioning at desired angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating assembly is designed to be dynamically easy to move, allowing smooth rotation of the umbrella canopy. The locking assembly then provides static stabilization at predetermined positions, creating a dynamic system that is easy to operate throughout the rotation range.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an outdoor sunshade with a sunshade cover capable of rotating 360 degrees, the outdoor sunshade including a sunshade post, where a sunshade frame is arranged on one side of the sunshade post; the sunshade post includes an upper sunshade post and a lower sunshade post, and the upper sunshade post is in inserting fit with the lower sunshade post; a rotating mechanism is arranged between the upper sunshade post and the lower sunshade post; and the rotating mechanism includes a lock seat, a locking mechanism located on the lock seat and a locking portion configured to match the locking mechanism, the locking portion includes a plurality of locking positions, the plurality of locking positions are arranged around the sunshade post by one circle, and the locking mechanism locks the upper sunshade post and the lower sunshade post by means of the locking positions.