One-Finger Rotating Umbrella Stanchion with Opposite Double-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible umbrella stands require users to operate them with both hands and feet simultaneously, are cumbersome, and pose safety hazards due to protruding foot pedals, leading to increased production costs and reduced reliability as they tend to bend over time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-adjustable, rotating, and opposite-double-locking umbrella-stanchion system that can be operated with one finger, allowing both feet to remain on the ground, eliminating the need for a protruding foot pedal, and featuring opposite L-shaped locking arms that securely lock the umbrella post in place using tension springs and radial teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foot pedal mechanism is used to unlock the umbrella post, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and poses safety hazards due to protruding levers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the foot pedal mechanism entirely from the umbrella stand design. Instead of using a protruding foot lever to engage locking teeth, the invention uses a recessed keyhole opening that accepts a key inserted through the base. This extraction of the foot pedal eliminates the safety hazard of protruding levers while maintaining the locking function through an alternative mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism approach. Rather than having a protruding foot pedal push locking teeth into engagement, the design uses a recessed keyhole where a key is inserted and rotated to engage the locking mechanism from the inside. This inversion eliminates the need for external protruding levers while achieving the same locking objective.
2Reliability
If a foot pedal and hand coordination is required to operate the umbrella stand, then the locking mechanism can function, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unlocking and locking functions into a single key operation. The key simultaneously engages the locking teeth and secures the umbrella post in position, eliminating the need for separate foot pedal depression and hand rotation actions. This merging of operations simplifies the overall system while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The key serves multiple functions: it unlocks the umbrella post by disengaging locking teeth, allows rotation to desired positions, and locks the post in place by engaging the teeth again. This multi-functional key design replaces the complex coordinated foot-hand operation with a single universal tool that performs all necessary operations.
3Reliability
If the umbrella post diameter is fixed for a specific stand, then the locking mechanism works properly, but the adaptability to different umbrellas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the locking mechanism with universal adaptability. The keyhole opening and locking teeth are configured to accommodate various umbrella post diameters within a range, allowing the same stand to securely lock different types of umbrellas. This universal design maintains reliable locking engagement while significantly improving adaptability to different umbrella sizes and types.
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 system simplifies operation, enhances safety by eliminating hazardous protrusions, increases reliability by preventing bending, and allows for larger angle rotation, reducing production costs and storage space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
two opposite tension springs for pushing the two opposite locking cleats downward between the radial teeth, to oppositely double-lock the umbrella-supporting post and the collapsible umbrella-canopy system, in place
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-adjustable, rotating, and opposite-double-locking umbrella-stanchion system is operated with one finger for oppositely double-locking and -unlocking the umbrella-supporting post of a crank-arm-operated umbrella to secure it in different positions. The system comprises a canopy system, a supporting post, a stanchion base, a U-shaped rotational lever, an actuator arm, a push rod, two opposite L-shaped locking arms, two opposite locking cleats, radial teeth, and two opposite tension springs for pushing the opposite locking cleats downward to oppositely double-lock the post and the canopy system, in place. The radial teeth are molded to the stanchion base. To operate the system, lift the U-shaped rotational lever with one finger to lift the opposite locking cleats to oppositely double-unlock them. Next, rotate the supporting post to a desired position. Then, release the U-shaped rotational lever to oppositely double-lock the opposite locking cleats between the radial teeth.