Adjustable Umbrella Clamp With Shock Absorption for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella anchoring and stabilizing devices lack effective shock absorption and adjustable anchoring mechanisms, leading to instability in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable, flexibly-resilient clamp with a collar, cam lever, and radial compression adjustment device, incorporating shock absorbing elements and an anchor assembly for improved frictional grip and stability, featuring a rotatable fastener and apertures for securing weighted articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clamp mechanism is used to secure the umbrella post, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stability and resistance to wind forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a composite structure combining rigid collar and jaw members with flexible resilient elements and shock absorbing materials. This composite approach enhances stability and wind resistance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the use of different material properties working together.
Solution Approach 2:
Shock absorbing elements are integrated into the clamp structure to cushion forces from wind gusts and umbrella movement before they can compromise the anchoring. This preliminary cushioning protects the connection between the clamp and umbrella post, improving reliability under dynamic loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed clamp design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to different umbrella post sizes and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp features adjustable components including the radial compression adjustment device that allows modification of the collar's internal perimeter, and the cam lever mechanism that enables variation in clamping force. These dynamic elements permit adaptation to different umbrella post sizes while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into separate functional segments: the collar with adjustable perimeter, the jaw members with resilient pads, the cam lever mechanism, and the radial compression adjustment device. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard processes while providing overall adaptability when assembled.
3Strength
If rigid clamp components are used, then the structural strength is high, but the shock absorption capability and frictional grip are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the clamp have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The collar and jaw members provide rigid structural strength for anchoring, while the resilient clamp pads and shock absorbing elements provide flexibility and cushioning where contact with the umbrella post occurs. This local differentiation of material properties simultaneously achieves high strength and effective shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp converts harmful shock forces and vibrations from wind gusts and umbrella movement into beneficial compressive forces through the shock absorbing elements and resilient pads. These elements deform under impact, dissipating energy while maintaining continuous contact and frictional grip on the umbrella post, thereby transforming potentially damaging forces into stabilizing effects.
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 clamp provides enhanced stability and resistance to wind forces by absorbing shocks and improving frictional grip on the umbrella post, ensuring the umbrella remains securely anchored.
Implementation Method 1
improving frictional grip of the collar to the umbrella post
Implementation Method 2
at least one shock absorbing element disposed along the internal perimeter of the collar
Implementation Method 3
the radial compression adjustment device comprises a rotatable fastener threadedly adjustable through the collar and securing the cam lever in position
Implementation Method 4
a rotatable fastener threadedly adjustable through the collar
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella clamp that includes an adjustable, flexibly-resilient clamp having a cam lever, the clamp detachably secured around an umbrella post, the clamp further includes a flange and anchor assembly, and one or more shock absorber elements. The clamp includes a flange with a series of holes, each of the holes are configured for securing one end of a cable, the opposing end of the cable is affixed to a weighted article (such as a bag filled with sand) and one or more friction pads disposed along the inner surface of the clamp body.