Adjustable Umbrella Canopy via Worm Gear Swing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional umbrellas lack adjustable canopy angles, limiting their shading effect when sunlight or rain falls at an oblique angle, as the frame is fixed and cannot be adjusted according to changing weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

An umbrella with a swing mechanism that includes a mounting seat, pivot seat, worm wheel, worm, driven gear, propeller shaft, drive gear, and rocker arm, allowing the frame to pivot relative to the upright post, enabling the user to adjust the canopy's angle by operating the rocker arm for improved shading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the frame is securely mounted on the upright post with a fixed angle, then the structure is stable and simple, but the canopy cannot be adjusted according to weather conditions, limiting the shading effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of canopy angleVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed mounting structure into a movable one. The frame is equipped with a swing mechanism including a pivot seat, worm wheel, and rocker arm that enables the frame to pivot leftward or rightward relative to the upright post. This allows the canopy angle to be dynamically adjusted according to weather conditions while maintaining structural stability through the worm-gear locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a swing mechanism with multiple components is added to enable angle adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and fabrication cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of frame angleVSAvoidfabrication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the swing mechanism into distinct functional modules: a mounting seat fixed to the upright post, a pivot seat with worm wheel for angular adjustment, a propeller shaft for rotation, and a rocker arm for user operation. This modular segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving the desired angle adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary elements such as the worm-gear mechanism and bearings to transmit and control motion. The worm meshing with the worm wheel provides a compact transmission mechanism that converts the rocking motion of the rocker arm into rotational movement of the propeller shaft, which then pivots the frame. These intermediaries enable smooth operation while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the frame is fixed at a single angle, then the manufacturing is simple, but the shading effect is limited when sunshine or rain is directed at an oblique angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshading effectVSAvoidresponse to varying weather conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by enabling the frame angle parameter to be varied according to weather conditions. The swing mechanism allows users to change the inclination angle of the frame by operating the rocker arm, which rotates the propeller shaft and pivots the frame leftward or rightward. This parameter adjustment optimizes the shading effect for different sunlight or rain directions while maintaining a simple fixed-structure manufacturing approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adjustable frame provides enhanced shading by allowing the user to tilt the canopy leftward or rightward, improving the umbrella's shading effect while maintaining a simplified construction that reduces fabrication costs.

Implementation Method 1

a worm rotatably mounted on the mounting seat and meshing with the worm wheel of the pivot seat to drive the pivot seat to pivot relative to the mounting seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

a drive gear secured on the propeller shaft to rotate in concert with the propeller shaft and meshing with the driven gear to rotate the driven gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Implementation Method 3

two first bearings mounted between the propeller shaft and the fixing seat and two second bearings mounted between the mounting seat and the worm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS7913707B2Umbrella having an angle adjustable function

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 GALTECH COMPUTER CORP

AI summary

An umbrella includes an upright post, a swing mechanism mounted on the upright post and a frame mounted on the swing mechanism. The swing mechanism includes a mounting seat mounted on the upright post, a pivot seat pivotally mounted on the mounting seat and having a lower end provided with a worm wheel, a worm rotatably mounted on the mounting seat and meshing with the worm wheel, a driven gear secured on the worm, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted on the upright post, a drive gear secured on the propeller shaft and meshing with the driven gear, and a rocker arm secured on the propeller shaft. Thus, when the swing mechanism is operated, the frame is rolled and tilted relative to the upright post leftward or rightward to adjust the inclined angle the frame to provide a better shading effect.