Tiltable Sunshade Toothed Transmission Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunshades are prone to cable breakage and loosening under external forces or strong winds, leading to unsafe operation and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A sunshade design featuring a pole with a dual periphery structure, including a first and second transmission member with toothed portions, a screw rod, and a follower mechanism that allows for controlled movement between folded, unfolded, and tilted positions, ensuring reliable and safe operation by distributing forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable is used to connect the handle to the runner for canopy operation, then the canopy can be easily deployed and tilted, but the cable is liable to break by external force or excessive pulling force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-based mechanical connection with a toothed portion engagement mechanism. The first and second transmission members have toothed portions that mesh together, transferring rotational force from the handle to the canopy support structure without using a flexible cable. This rigid mechanical engagement eliminates the cable breakage problem while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the cable is exposed for canopy control, then the canopy can be adjusted, but the exposed cable is liable to break by external force
Solution Approach 1:
The exposed cable is replaced by an enclosed toothed portion transmission mechanism. The first transmission member rotates within the pole, and its toothed portion engages with the second transmission member's toothed portion, which is also enclosed within the pole structure. This eliminates the exposed cable vulnerable to external forces while preserving the canopy adjustment capability.
3Ease of operation
If the cable connects the handle directly to the runner, then the canopy can be controlled, but the cable loosens under strong wind causing canopy bounce
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable connection is replaced with a rigid toothed portion engagement system. The first transmission member's toothed portion meshes with the second transmission member's toothed portion, creating a rigid mechanical linkage that prevents loosening under wind load. This ensures the canopy remains stable and does not bounce when subjected to strong winds, while still allowing controlled adjustment.
4Device complexity
If a simple cable mechanism is used for canopy operation, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability under external forces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The simple cable mechanism is replaced with a toothed portion transmission mechanism consisting of a first transmission member with a toothed portion and a second transmission member with a meshing toothed portion. While this increases the mechanical complexity slightly, it dramatically improves reliability by eliminating cable breakage and loosening issues under external forces, providing a robust enclosed transmission system.
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 design enhances the structural integrity and safety of the sunshade by reducing the risk of cable breakage and loosening, allowing for precise control of the tilting angle and stable operation even in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A second transmission member is received in the longitudinal hole of the pole and includes a shaft rotatably supported by the support. The second transmission member further includes a toothed portion meshed with the toothed portion of the first transmission member.
Implementation Method 2
A screw rod includes a lower end fixed to the second transmission and an upper end. The lower end of the screw rod are located between the upper end of the screw rod and the support along the longitudinal axis of the pole. The screw rod and the second transmission member are jointly rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the pole. A follower is received in the longitudinal hole of the pole and threadedly engaged with the screw rod.
Data Source
AI summary
A sunshade (12) includes a pole (111) rotatably receiving a screw rod (295) that is can be rotated by operating a handle (213) to cause movement of a follower (277) in the pole (111) between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position. A runner (297) is mounted around the pole (111) and fixed to the follower (277) to move therewith. A pivotable member (383) is pivotably connected to a fixing member (363) fixed on an upper end (113) of the pole (111). Ribs (451) are pivotably mounted to a hub (439) fixed on the pivotable member (383). Stretchers (313) are pivotably mounted between the ribs (451) and the runner (297). The hub (439) and the ribs (451) are tilted when the pivotable member (383) is pivoted due to movement of the follower (277) from the unfolded position to the tilted position.