Umbrella Counterweight Assembly for Wind Stability and Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Umbrellas face instability due to wind and interference with surrounding objects during opening and closing, particularly with larger shade members, which limits their useable locations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a counterweight system and locking device in the umbrella assembly, allowing for controlled movement of hubs and securing the umbrella in open or closed positions, using a ballast, cord, pulley, and hook assembly to stabilize the umbrella.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper hub is raised to avoid interference with surrounding objects during opening and closing, then the interference with objects is reduced, but the stability due to wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight system comprising a ballast, cord, and pulley mechanism. The ballast is positioned to provide downward force that counteracts the upward lift generated by wind pressure on the raised hub, thereby maintaining stability while allowing the hub to be elevated to avoid interference with surrounding objects.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking device is added to maintain the open position, then the stability due to wind is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated with the existing counterweight system components. The hook assembly utilizes the ballast and cord mechanism already present, combining the counterweight function with the locking function in a unified system rather than adding a completely separate locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast serves dual purposes: it provides the counterweight force needed to stabilize the raised hub against wind, and it also acts as the locking mechanism through the hook assembly that engages with the pole assembly to maintain the open position.
3Ease of operation
If the lower hub is moved up to open the umbrella, then the opening action is achieved, but the interference with surrounding objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper hub is preliminarily raised to a higher position before the opening action is completed. This preliminary positioning of the upper hub creates clearance with surrounding objects, allowing the lower hub to be moved upward for opening without causing interference with tables or other furniture.
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 stability of the umbrella in various conditions by maintaining the open position and preventing interference with objects during closure, facilitating mass production with improved tolerance for shade structures.
Implementation Method 1
The counterweight system has a ballast, a cord, and a pulley. The cord is coupled at a first end with the ballast and coupled at a second end with the lower hub.
Implementation Method 2
The counterweight system has a ballast, a cord, and a pulley. The cord is disposed over the pulley between the first and the second end of the cord.
Implementation Method 3
The hook assembly can have a spring configured to urge the prongs into the one or more recesses to lock the umbrella in an open position.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella is provided that includes a hollow pole, a shade assembly, a counterweight system, and a locking device. The shade assembly includes a guide rod coupled with an upper hub. The guide rod has a stop surface. The counterweight system has a ballast and a cord that has a first end coupled with the ballast and a second end coupled with a lower hub. The locking device has pushrod mechanism. When closing the umbrella, the pushrod mechanism moves upward disengaging a moveable locking surface from the guide rod to allow the lower hub to move downward and the ballast to move upward.