Umbrella Automatic Manual Opening Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric umbrellas are complex and expensive to produce, and they lack a reliable mechanism for opening and closing when the power motor is not operational, such as in the case of an empty battery.

Innovation Solution

A combined automatic and manual umbrella opening and closing structure that includes a motor structure with a screw rod and power motor, connected to a bevel gear system, and a handle structure with a clutch transmission mechanism, allowing the umbrella to be opened and closed either automatically with electricity or manually without power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an electric umbrella structure with power motor and transmission mechanism is used, then the automatic opening and closing function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic opening and closing functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both automatic and manual opening/closing capabilities into a single umbrella structure. The handle can operate in two modes: electric mode where the power motor drives the screw rod for automatic opening/closing, and manual mode where the user directly rotates the handle to drive the screw rod through the transmission mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the device to provide automated convenience while maintaining mechanical backup, resolving the contradiction between automation and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If an electric umbrella structure with power motor is used, then automatic opening and closing function is achieved, but the reliability decreases when power supply is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic opening and closing functionVSAvoidoperational reliability without power
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a manual operation mechanism as a backup system that is always available regardless of power supply status. The transmission mechanism (bevel gears and screw rod) is designed to accept input from both the power motor and direct manual rotation of the handle. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even when the power motor fails or the battery is depleted, the umbrella can still be opened and closed reliably through manual operation, thus resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Extent of automation

If a complex transmission structure with multiple components is used, then automatic opening and closing function is achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic opening and closing functionVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the opening/closing mechanism into distinct functional modules: the power motor module, the transmission module (bevel gears and screw rod), and the handle module. Each module can be manufactured and assembled separately. The bevel gears provide a compact and efficient transmission solution that is relatively simple to manufacture compared to more complex mechanisms. This segmentation allows for standardized production of each component, improving overall manufacturing ease while maintaining the automatic function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables reliable and efficient opening and closing of the umbrella in both electric and manual modes, ensuring functionality even when the power supply is depleted, thereby addressing the complexity and operability issues of prior art.

Implementation Method 1

a power motor (2) that drives the screw rod (1) to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

said screw rod (1) is connected to a bevel gear one (3), said handle structure includes a bevel gear two (4) and a handle (5), said bevel gear two (4) and said bevel gear one (3) are connected through a harmonic gear drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 3

said handle (5) is connected to said bevel gear two (4) through a clutch transmission structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClutch mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3245892B1Umbrella with a combination of an automatic and manual opening and closing structure
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 ZHEJIANG YOTRIO GRP CO LTD
  • EP3245892B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3245892B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3245892B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an umbrella with a combination of an automatic and manual opening and closing structure. This structure comprises a motor structure and a handle structure for opening and closing the umbrella. The motor structure includes a screw rod (1) and a power motor (2) that drives the screw rod (1). The screw rod (1) is connected to a bevel gear one (3). The handle structure includes a bevel gear two (4) and a handle (5). The bevel gear two (4) and the bevel gear one (3) are connected through a harmonic gear drive and the handle (5) is connected to the bevel gear two (4).