Umbrella Control Device with Ratcheted Spool Disk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-open and close umbrellas pose a safety risk during closing as they can suddenly expand due to the elasticity of the propelling spring if the lower accommodation does not accurately engage with the stem, potentially harming users.
Innovation Solution
A controlling device for the umbrella that includes a spool disk with ratchets, a spiral spring, and a shift block, allowing the umbrella support to stop at any position during closure by winding the disk cord around the spool disk, preventing sudden expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lower accommodation does not accurately engage with the stem during closing, then the umbrella can be easily closed, but the propelling spring causes sudden expansion that may harm users
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's closing action and the propelling spring. It includes a controller with an inner part that can be pressed by the buckle, a shift block that moves in response, and a spool disk with ratchets that controls the disk cord. This intermediary system gradually releases the disk cord to control the support's retraction, preventing sudden expansion while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling device introduces dynamic control elements including a movable shift block that can change position, a rotatable spool disk with ratchets that allow controlled movement, and a flexible disk cord that can be gradually wound or unwound. These dynamic components enable the system to adapt the closing speed and force, transforming a potentially hazardous sudden motion into a controlled gradual process.
2Reliability
If a controlling device with multiple components is added to prevent sudden expansion, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device merges multiple functions into a compact integrated structure. The controller housing contains both the button mechanism and the inner part that interacts with the buckle. The shift block combines the function of actuating the spool disk while also serving as a mechanical linkage. The spool disk integrates the cord winding function with the ratchet locking mechanism, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Components within the controlling device serve multiple functions. The spool disk both winds the disk cord to control support retraction and uses its ratchets to prevent reverse motion. The shift block both transmits force from the inner part and directly engages with the spool disk to initiate rotation. The controller housing both protects internal components and provides the user interface with the button.
3Reliability
If precise positioning is required for the lower accommodation to engage with the stem, then sudden expansion is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device enables the system to self-regulate the closing process without requiring precise manual positioning. The shift block automatically moves in response to buckle pressure, and the spool disk with ratchets automatically controls the disk cord release. The mechanism itself provides the positioning control, eliminating the need for high-precision manual alignment during closing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling device changes the parameter of force application from a sudden static force to a gradual controlled force. By using the spiral spring and disk cord system, the closing force is applied progressively rather than all at once. This allows the lower accommodation to engage with the stem through a range of positions rather than requiring a single precise position, reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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
Enhances safety by preventing the umbrella from suddenly expanding when closed, allowing users to control the closing process without risking injury and simplifying assembly with flexible components that do not require precise dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
A spiral spring is disposed in the middle sink, two ends of which are respectively installed on the spindle and a slot wall of the middle sink of the spool disk, so that an elastic driving force is generated to drive a rotation of the spool disk
Implementation Method 2
The shift block is controlled by a torsion spring for continuously possessing a torsion to contact the spool disk and to engage with the ratchets of the spool disk
Data Source
AI summary
A control device is applied to a base of an umbrella stem. A buckle sits in the base whose upper portion sets a controlling device controlled by the buckle and whose lower portion radially disposes a spool disk. The peripheral wall of the spool disk having ratchets defined thereon is embraced by a spool groove. Two ends of a spiral spring are respectively fixed to the base and the spool disk to generate an elastic force driving the spool disk's rotation. A shift block positioned under the base of the controlling device has a continuous torsion to contact the spool disk and clasp the ratchets. A disk cord provides one end fixed on the spool disk and wound around the spool groove and the other end penetrating the controlling device and the base to join an upper accommodation of the umbrella.