Umbrella Anti-Inversion Mechanism for Wind-Resistant Rib Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Umbrella ribs are prone to inversion under strong winds, leading to structural failure and rendering the umbrella unusable.
Innovation Solution
An anti-inversion mechanism comprising wire members and biasing elements that apply counteractive forces to maintain the rib assembly in a stable position, preventing inversion by resisting upward forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional umbrella rib design is used, then the umbrella structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ribs are prone to inversion under strong winds causing structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a pre-configured anti-inversion mechanism with wire members and biasing elements that exert counteractive forces before wind-induced inversion occurs. The biasing elements are pre-loaded to push the rib assembly toward its stable position, creating resistance against upward forces from strong winds before they can cause inversion damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using biasing elements (springs) that are pre-loaded to provide cushioning force against potential inversion. These springs store energy in advance and release it when the rib assembly experiences upward forces, cushioning the structure against wind-induced inversion and preventing structural failure.
2Reliability
If anti-inversion mechanism is added, then the rib stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-inversion mechanism uses wire members and biasing elements configured to apply counteractive forces before wind-induced inversion occurs. The biasing elements are pre-loaded to push the rib assembly toward its stable position, creating resistance against upward forces from strong winds before they can cause inversion damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using biasing elements (springs) that are pre-loaded to provide cushioning force against potential inversion. These springs store energy in advance and release it when the rib assembly experiences upward forces, cushioning the structure against wind-induced inversion and preventing structural failure.
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 anti-inversion mechanism effectively stabilizes the umbrella canopy, preventing inversion and potential structural damage during adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An anti-inversion mechanism is provided that includes an elongated member and a biasing element. The biasing element is attached to the elongated member and configured to apply a counteractive force
Data Source
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AI summary
An umbrella includes an anti-inversion mechanism that is configured to apply to each rib assembly a force that counters an inversion force that is applied to the umbrella. The anti-inversion mechanism includes a first rib joint that is coupled to first and second ribs, a first elongated member that is coupled to the first rib joint and a second elongated member that is coupled to the first elongated member and to the distal rib. The first rib joint includes an inner slot and the first elongated member comprises a wire having a bent clip portion at a first end of the wire, the bent clip portion being received within the inner slot and being biased against a floor of the inner slot resulting in the wire being attached to the first rib joint.