Multi-fold Umbrella Automatic Opening Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatically folding and unfolding umbrellas require manual effort to fully close, lacking a fully automatic mechanism for both opening and closing, which compromises convenience and usability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fold umbrella with a gear mechanism and drive unit in the stick unit and umbrella handle, utilizing a motor-driven gearbox and lead screw mechanism to synchronize the movement of inner and outer tubes for full automatic opening and closing, allowing the umbrella to be operated with a single button control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to push the umbrella up to open it, then the umbrella can be opened, but it requires manual effort and time which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The tension spring is pre-loaded and stored in the pole before operation. When the button is pressed, the pre-loaded spring energy is released to automatically push the umbrella open, eliminating the need for manual pushing effort and reducing opening time.
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella system uses its own internal tension spring mechanism to open itself automatically when triggered by the button, without requiring external manual force. The system serves itself by converting stored elastic energy into mechanical work for opening.
2Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to fold the umbrella completely, then the umbrella can be closed, but it requires two-handed operation which reduces convenience and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The tension spring is pre-loaded and stored in the pole before operation. When the button is pressed, the pre-loaded spring energy is released to automatically push the umbrella open, eliminating the need for manual pushing effort and reducing opening time.
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella system uses its own internal tension spring mechanism to open itself automatically when triggered by the button, without requiring external manual force. The system serves itself by converting stored elastic energy into mechanical work for opening.
3Extent of automation
If a tension spring mechanism is used for automatic opening and closing, then automation is improved, but the mechanism requires complex adjustment devices and control mechanisms inside the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into multiple telescopic sections (inner tube, middle tube, outer tube) that can move independently. This segmentation allows the tension spring to act on individual sections through separate cables, simplifying the control mechanism while achieving full automation of the opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Cables serve as intermediary elements that transmit the force from the tension spring to the various pole sections. The cables enable the spring mechanism to control multiple telescopic sections without requiring complex direct mechanical connections, reducing overall mechanism complexity.
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 fully automatic opening and closing of the umbrella, ensuring convenience and quick handling by eliminating the need for manual force, allowing seamless operation in various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
drive unit which drives a movement of the inner tube (B3) parallel to the up- and down-movement of the central tube (B2) of the pole unit (B)
Implementation Method 2
releases the control mechanism of the stick and releases energy into a tension spring inside the stick, which causes the stick to be stretched upwards
Implementation Method 3
one end passing through the outer tube and around the outer tube pulley to the umbrella slider to which it is attached
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A multi-folding, fully automatic opening and closing umbrella, consisting of a frame (A), a fabric canopy, a middle pole assembly (B), a top section (C), a bottom slider (D), a handle (G), and an opening and closing transmission mechanism (E) (transmission mechanism) located in the middle pole assembly (B). The middle pole assembly (B) is provided with at least three telescoping or sliding pole sections, namely an outer pole or tube (B1), a middle pole or tube (B2), and an inner pole or tube (B3), viewed downwards from the top section. The transmission mechanism (E) for opening and closing the umbrella comprises a slider pull cord (E1), a middle tube pull cord (E2), and an inner tube pull cord (E3). One end of the slider pull cord (E1) is attached to the middle tube end cap (3) of the middle tube (B2).The outer end of the same is attached to the lower crown (C). One end of the central tube pull cord (E2) is attached to the upper end of the inner tube (B3), and the other end is attached to the top of the outer tube (B1). The opening and closing system (F) comprises drive elements (6, 7, 8) connected to the central tube plug (3) and a power source (9) to drive the drive elements (6, 7, 8) to move the inner tube (B3) up and down. The power source (9) is controlled by a knob (G2) on the handle (G). The opening and closing system (F) drives the central tube (B2) of the central pole unit (B) to drive the inner tube (B3) up and down, whereby, through a geared connection, the opening and closing function is driven simultaneously via the umbrella pole sections (B1, B2, B3) and the central umbrella pole (B1), thus also driving the umbrella canopy.