Umbrella Anti-inversion Assembly with Biasing Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional umbrellas face challenges in preventing the inversion of the canopy and rib assembly, especially under strong winds, which can lead to instability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The umbrella incorporates an anti-inversion assembly that includes a biasing mechanism and elongated bendable members. The biasing mechanism, such as a tension spring, stores energy when a force is applied, and the elongated bendable members are coupled to the ribs and the shaft, maintaining tension and preventing inversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional umbrella structure is used, then the umbrella is simple and easy to manufacture, but the canopy and rib assembly can invert under strong winds causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating an anti-inversion assembly that pre-compensates for wind forces before inversion occurs. The assembly includes a biasing mechanism that continuously exerts counteracting force on the rib assembly, and a link mechanism that translates canopy movement into compensating motion, preventing inversion before it can happen under strong winds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a link mechanism as a mediator between the canopy and the biasing mechanism. This link mechanism translates the motion of the canopy into corresponding motion of the biasing mechanism, allowing the system to automatically adjust and compensate for wind forces without direct rigid connection.
2Strength
If the rib assembly is made stronger to withstand wind forces, then the umbrella can resist inversion, but the weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies anti-weight principle by using a biasing mechanism that generates counteracting force to offset wind forces acting on the rib assembly. Instead of making the ribs themselves stronger and heavier, the system uses a spring-based mechanism that continuously exerts upward force to compensate for downward wind loads, effectively reducing the required structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from static structural strength to dynamic force compensation. By using a biasing mechanism with adjustable spring characteristics, the system can adapt to varying wind conditions by changing the force parameters rather than relying on fixed heavy structural elements.
3Strength
If the rib assembly is made stronger to withstand wind forces, then the umbrella can resist inversion, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the anti-inversion function into separate modular components: a biasing mechanism, a link mechanism, and connection points on the rib assembly. This allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together, simplifying production compared to creating a single complex strengthened rib structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting to wind conditions without requiring complex control systems or manual adjustment. The spring-based mechanism inherently provides the necessary force compensation, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to active control systems.
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 assembly effectively prevents the canopy and rib assembly from inverting, even under gusty conditions, ensuring the umbrella remains stable and functional.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism that is coupled to the shaft and is configured to store energy when a force is applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of elongated bendable members. Each elongated bendable member is coupled at a first end to the biasing mechanism and at a second end to one rib or to a tip of one rib. The elongated bendable member is held taut by the biasing mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella includes a shaft, a rib assembly comprising a plurality of ribs that are pivotally coupled to the shaft, and a plurality of struts that are pivotally coupled to the plurality of ribs and the shaft. The umbrella also includes an anti-inversion assembly to counter inversion of the canopy and rib assembly. The anti-inversion assembly includes a biasing mechanism that is coupled to the shaft and is configured to store energy when a force is applied thereto. The anti-inversion assembly further includes a plurality of elongated bendable members. Each elongated bendable member is coupled at a first end to the biasing mechanism and at a second end to one rib or to a tip of one rib. The elongated bendable member is held taut by the biasing mechanism when the umbrella is in an open position, a closed position and intermediate positions between the open and closed positions.