Strutless Umbrella Frame With Pneumatic Opening Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional strutless umbrellas face difficulties in controlled operation, especially for large models, due to weight and manual force requirements, leading to potential damage and safety hazards, and existing solutions do not effectively manage the opening and closing process.
Innovation Solution
A strutless umbrella frame with a central post and pivotally mounted ribs, utilizing an actuator mechanism with air springs and fluid regulating means to control the opening and closing process, reducing manual effort and preventing accidental movements by using a piston and cylinder system with fluid zones and pressure-activated valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional pulley mechanism with struts is used for large umbrellas, then the umbrella can support large area canopy, but the manual force required to operate becomes too large and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic actuator mechanism comprising a cylinder, piston, and air spring to replace the traditional manual pulley system. Compressed air stored in the air spring provides the force to move the piston, which in turn drives the ribs to open or close the umbrella. This pneumatic system can generate sufficient force for large canopies while being easily controllable through simple valve actuation, resolving the contradiction between supporting large canopy area and maintaining ease of operation.
2Strength
If struts are used to support ribs on central post, then the ribs can be supported structurally, but the ribs cannot fold neatly on the central post when closed and gaps are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional strut components entirely and replaces them with a direct pivotal connection between the ribs and the central post. The ribs are mounted to pivot directly on the central post without intermediate strut elements. This extraction of the strut component eliminates the interference with neat folding while the pivotal connection maintains sufficient structural strength to support the ribs in both open and closed positions.
3Area of stationary object
If heavy materials are used for large area umbrella, then the canopy can be durable and support large area, but the weight causes uncontrollable movement of the plunger and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic actuator system with air spring provides controlled force delivery to the heavy ribs. The compressed air in the air spring acts as a cushion, providing smooth and controlled movement rather than sudden jerky motions. The system includes check valves and flow control mechanisms that regulate the speed and direction of rib movement, preventing uncontrollable movement even when supporting heavy large-area canopies, thereby ensuring operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The air spring in the actuator mechanism serves as a cushioning element that absorbs and regulates the forces involved in opening and closing the heavy umbrella. The compressed air provides a cushioned, controlled expansion that prevents sudden movements. Additionally, the system incorporates damping elements and flow control valves that provide beforehand cushioning to prevent runaway movement, ensuring safe operation of heavy large-area umbrellas.
4Ease of operation
If gaps are formed between central post and ribs when closed, then the ribs can be accommodated, but air flows under the umbrella in windy conditions causing uneven pressure and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the struts and implementing direct pivotal mounting of ribs to the central post, the patent eliminates the structural elements that created gaps in traditional designs. The ribs pivot directly on the central post and can be positioned to lie flush against it when closed, eliminating gaps that would allow wind to penetrate and create uneven pressure distributions.
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 solution allows for controlled and safe operation of umbrellas of any size, reducing manual force needed and preventing damage or safety hazards by automatically opening or closing the umbrella based on predetermined angles and pressures, ensuring smooth operation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator mechanism is provided with at least one air spring
Implementation Method 2
The at least one spring is provided with a first fluid regulating means arranged for allowing fluid, such as gas or liquid, to flow between the first and second fluid chambers
Implementation Method 3
The second fluid regulating means is arranged for being activated in response to the pressure in the first or second chamber reaching a predetermined threshold
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A strutless umbrella frame for supporting a canopy, the strutless umbrella f comprising a central post (12), a plurality of ribs (10) each pivotally mounted to the central post (12) about a pivot axis, an actuator mechanism (14) arranged for operating the umbrella frame between the closed and open position; and a connecting mechanism (13) arranged for hingendly connecting each of the plurality of ribs (10) to the actuator mechanism (14). The actuator mechanism comprises at least one air spring and first and second fluid regulating means (24) The actuator mechanism is configured for opening the umbrella, in response to a predetermined opening force applied initially by the pivoting movement of at least one of ribs (10), and for closing the umbrella in response to a predetermined closing force applied initially by the pivoting movement of the at least one of the ribs (10).