Shoulder-Mounted Umbrella Support for Hands-Free Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrellas require users to hold them with one hand, which can be inconvenient and cumbersome, especially in windy conditions, and there are few effective solutions for securely holding them on the user's shoulder without occupying both hands.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free umbrella support system featuring a connector hub that attaches to the umbrella stem, a shoulder support bridge, and a rear anchor torsion loop, allowing the umbrella to be positioned above the user's head without manual support, with adjustable sizing and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional umbrella design is used, then the umbrella can be held in place, but the user must occupy at least one hand to hold the umbrella, which is inconvenient and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shoulder support apparatus as an intermediary device between the user's body and the umbrella. This apparatus includes a connector hub that attaches to the umbrella stem, a shoulder support bridge that rests on the user's shoulder, and a rear anchor that secures the system to the user's upper back, thereby mediating the support function and freeing the user's hands
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella support function is segmented into multiple independent components: a connector hub for attaching to the umbrella, a shoulder support bridge for resting on the shoulder, and a rear anchor for securing to the upper back. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving hands-free umbrella support
2Reliability
If the umbrella is held manually, then the umbrella can be positioned correctly, but in strong winds or gusts, holding an umbrella can be challenging and potentially lead to discomfort or strain
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder support apparatus distributes the umbrella's weight across multiple body points including the shoulder and upper back, creating a counterbalancing effect that reduces the impact of wind forces on any single point and prevents the umbrella from being easily displaced by strong winds
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is secured to the user's body in advance, with the rear anchor attached to the upper back and the shoulder support bridge positioned on the shoulder before encountering windy conditions. This preliminary securing ensures the umbrella is already stabilized and ready to resist wind forces without requiring reactive manual adjustment
3Ease of operation
If a shoulder support apparatus is introduced, then hands-free usage is enabled, but the apparatus must be securely attached to prevent the umbrella from being turned inside out or taken out of position
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism employs different local qualities suited to specific functions: the connector hub uses internal securing ribs that grip the umbrella stem locally, the shoulder support bridge uses non-skid ribbing for local friction-based attachment to the shoulder, and the rear anchor uses a torsion loop for localized securing to the upper back
Data Source
AI summary
A hands-free umbrella shoulder support apparatus allows for convenient and comfortable use of an umbrella or parasol without engaging the hands. Central to the design is a connector hub that latches onto the main stem of the umbrella or parasol, linked to a shoulder-supporting bridge featuring non-skid ribbing for stability and adjustable sizing for a custom fit. The apparatus also includes internal securing ribs for a firm grip on the stem, and a rear anchor torsion loop that increases security by hugging the upper shoulder area. An optional accessory hub can be added for decorative or functional extensions. The design is envisioned to accommodate a second connector hub for even weight distribution, enhancing this innovative support system's practicality and ergonomic benefits.