Short Force Arm Deflection Device for Umbrella Canopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrella deflection devices with long force arms face issues such as increased gravitational stress, potential malfunction, and laborious operation, leading to reduced lifespan and increased material costs.
Innovation Solution
A short force arm deflection device mounted between the top cap and runner of an umbrella, comprising an upper deflection member, a lower deflection member, and a barrel with a compression spring, which uses a connection plate to transmit the upward motion of the runner to effect deflection between the members, minimizing the load on the deflection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the deflection device is mounted below the runner with a long force arm, then the umbrella can be opened easily, but the gravitational load on the deflection device increases causing malfunction and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting position by placing the deflection device between the top cap and runner instead of below the runner. This inversion shortens the force arm from extending below the deflection device to extending only above it, thereby reducing the gravitational load on the deflection device while maintaining ease of operation through the same crank arm and pull cord mechanism
2Strength
If the deflection device uses a long force arm to support the umbrella weight, then the structural support is adequate, but the gravitational force on the pivot pin increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mounting position to place the deflection device above the runner rather than below it, the patent shortens the force arm length. This reduces the moment arm through which gravity acts on the pivot pin, thereby decreasing the gravitational force and torque on the pivot pin while maintaining adequate structural support through proper design of the shortened force arm
3Adaptability or versatility
If the deflection device is positioned to create a long force arm, then the umbrella can achieve greater deflection angle, but the operation becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by mounting the deflection device above the runner instead of below it. This inversion shortens the force arm, which reduces the torque required to operate the deflection mechanism, making operation less laborious while still achieving the necessary deflection angles through optimized geometry of the shortened arm and pivot mechanism
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 short force arm design reduces the gravitational load on the deflection device, preventing malfunctions and extending its lifespan while allowing effortless umbrella operation and deflection, as the runner maintains an upright position, supporting the umbrella's gravity with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
a barrel that receives therein a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
the compression spring received in the barrel drives the connection plate in a direction from the lower side to the upper side, thereby transmitting the power
Data Source
AI summary
A short force arm deflection device is mounted to a section of a center post of an umbrella between a top cap and a runner and includes an upper deflection member and a lower deflection member pivotally connected to each other, and a barrel receiving a compression spring. The upper and lower deflection members are respectively connected to a lower end of an upper post segment and an upper end of a lower post segment. The barrel, receives the compression spring and goes over the connection portion between the lower deflection member and the lower post segment. To open, the runner is pulled upwardly by a pull cord to contact the barrel causing a relative rotation between the upper and lower deflection members for realizing deflection between the top cap and the runner for inclining a canopy.