Umbrella Crank Handle Positioning Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crank handles for large outdoor umbrellas are aesthetically unappealing and prone to damage due to external mounting, leading to potential contact issues with objects and individuals.
Innovation Solution
A crank handle positioning assembly with major components housed within the umbrella mast, utilizing a gear housing and elongated drive gear to facilitate manual rotation and movement of the central hub, allowing the canopy to transition between open and closed orientations without external casing, using a worm or screw gear mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crank handle and casing are mounted on the exterior of the mast, then the canopy positioning function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and the reliability of the crank handle decreases due to potential contact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The gear housing and crank handle mechanism are nested within the hollow interior of the mast, protecting them from external contact damage while maintaining their positioning function. The mast serves as a protective enclosure for the mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The crank handle is repositioned from the traditional external lateral mounting to an end-mounted position on the mast, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the mast. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the mechanism to be housed within the mast's interior space rather than protruding externally.
2Shape
If the crank handle and casing are mounted on the exterior of the mast, then the positioning mechanism is accessible, but the aesthetic appearance and streamlined design deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gear housing and crank handle mechanism are merged with the mast structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external casings. The mast's hollow interior serves as the housing, integrating the positioning mechanism into the overall umbrella structure for a cleaner aesthetic.
Solution Approach 2:
All positioning mechanism components are nested within the mast's hollow interior, creating a streamlined external appearance. The gear housing, drive gear, and crank handle are contained within the mast, eliminating protruding elements.
3Reliability
If the gear housing is disposed within the interior of the mast, then the aesthetic appearance and safety are improved, but the ease of maintenance and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gear housing is designed as a separable component that can be independently accessed from the mast. The gear housing can be removed or opened to access the internal components for maintenance, while remaining protected within the mast during normal operation.
4Device complexity
If the crank handle is mounted at the end of the mast, then the components can be housed within the mast interior, but the operational leverage and mechanical advantage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An elongated drive gear extends along a significant portion of the mast's interior length, acting as a mechanical intermediary that transmits and amplifies the rotational force from the end-mounted crank handle to the canopy positioning mechanism. This extended gear provides the necessary mechanical advantage despite the remote mounting position.
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 solution provides a non-obtrusive, efficient, and safe operation by housing the crank handle's components within the mast, reducing the risk of damage and improving the umbrella's aesthetic appearance while maintaining effective canopy positioning.
Implementation Method 1
using a worm or screw gear mechanism
Implementation Method 2
using a worm or screw gear mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A crank handle positioning assembly structured to selectively position a mast mounted canopy of an umbrella into and between open and closed orientations. A gear housing is disposed within the interior of the mast in at least partially enclosing relation to a gear assembly and in driving relation to at least one elongated drive gear. A crank handle is disposed on an exterior of the mast and extends there-through into rotationally driving relation to the gear assembly. A rider member is interconnected in driving relation to the canopy assembly and is reciprocally movable along the length of the drive gear upon rotational, driving engagement of the crank handle with the gear assembly. Concurrent, cooperative directions of linear movement of the rider member and a rotational movement of the crank handle is determinative of the positioning of the canopy assembly in either the open or closed orientations.