Tapered Sleeve Assembly for Stable Outdoor Umbrella Upright Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor products such as tents and umbrellas face issues with loosening of connections due to straight screw-thread fit structures, leading to instability and complex production processes.
Innovation Solution
A rapid assembly structure using a sleeve assembly with tapered thread grooves and external threads, along with stoppers and a stop collar, allows for stable and convenient assembly of upright posts through a fitting mechanism that enhances stability and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight screw-thread fit structure is used to connect upright posts, then the assembly process is simple, but the connection loosens during long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thread structure from straight to tapered (conical) threads. The tapered thread groove and external thread have a gradually changing cross-section along the axial direction, which transforms the connection from a simple screw-fit to a self-tightening structure that prevents loosening during long-term use while maintaining assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tapered (conical) thread structure instead of straight cylindrical threads. The conical shape of the thread groove and external thread creates a wedging effect that generates axial clamping force, improving connection reliability while keeping the assembly process straightforward
2Reliability
If a tapered screw-thread fit structure is used to prevent loosening, then connection stability is improved, but the production process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into separate components: a sleeve assembly with the tapered thread groove and an upright post with the external tapered thread. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall production complexity while achieving reliable connection through the tapered thread interface
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve assembly acts as an intermediary component that provides the tapered thread groove. This intermediary structure enables the tapered thread connection without requiring complex machining on the upright post itself, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining connection stability
3Strength
If upright posts are designed as long single pieces, then structural strength is maintained, but packaging and transport become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long upright post into multiple shorter segments that can be connected through the sleeve assembly. This segmentation reduces the packaging volume and facilitates transport while the tapered thread connection and flaring gap structure maintain the overall structural strength of the assembled post
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 sleeve assembly enables rapid and stable assembly of upright posts, improving the operational performance and service life by preventing loosening and allowing for adaptive adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A thread groove which is a tapered structure is provided in the first connecting base... the threaded end is of a tapered shape and is configured to fit with the thread groove
Implementation Method 2
the first connecting base is provided with a flaring gap, and an outer side wall of the first connecting base is provided with a plurality of stoppers... a partial side wall in the first sleeve base extends outwards and is in close fit with an inner cavity wall of the first upright post
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid assembly structure includes an upright post, wherein the upright post includes a first upright post and a second upright post; the rapid assembly structure further includes a sleeve assembly, wherein the sleeve assembly includes a first sleeve base and a second sleeve base, the first sleeve base is configured to install the first upright post in a fitting manner, the second sleeve base is configured to install the second upright post in a fitting manner and the first upright post is connected to the second upright post by the fit of the first sleeve base and the second sleeve base; after the first sleeve base is in docking fit with the second sleeve base, a partial side wall in the first sleeve base extends outwards and is in close fit with an inner cavity wall of the first upright post.