Retractable Umbrella Frame With Linear Arm Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrellas face difficulties in transitioning between open and closed configurations due to the wide arc movement of the frame and tarp, requiring significant space and additional components that can restrict operation, especially when affixed to tables.
Innovation Solution
A retractable umbrella frame device with a base body structure and internal axis structure allows arms to retract and extend along its length, featuring a skeletal frame structure with moveable connections to the axis, enabling compact storage and easy deployment without the need for additional bulky components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional umbrellas use a wide arc movement for transitioning between open and closed configurations, then the frame and tarp can effectively cover the desired area, but significant surrounding free-space is required and the operation becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella frame is divided into multiple arms that can move independently along separate linear paths rather than moving as a single unit in a wide arc. Each arm is segmented into sections that can telescope or slide relative to each other, enabling compact retraction while maintaining full coverage area when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition mechanism changes from two-dimensional arc movement to three-dimensional linear motion along the axis of the umbrella pole. Arms move in and out along the central axis direction, transforming the movement paradigm from rotational arc to translational linear motion, which reduces the horizontal space required for operation.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional umbrellas use enclosed cylindrical structures to make them more compact, then space requirements are reduced, but additional materials and components are required resulting in a bulkier device
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella arms are designed to nest within the base body structure when retracted, with each arm section fitting inside the previous section like nested dolls. The arms slide into designated receptacles or channels within the base body, achieving compact storage without requiring an external enclosing cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body structure incorporates dynamic elements such as sliding channels, telescoping sections, and movable walls that allow the arms to be stored within the base body volume. The base body itself can expand or contract to accommodate the arms in different states, eliminating the need for a fixed enclosed cylindrical structure.
3Volume of moving object
If enclosed cylindrical structures are used to make umbrellas more compact, then space requirements are reduced, but the movement range of the skeletal frame portions is restricted aggravating ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The skeletal frame is segmented into multiple independent arms that can move along linear paths within the base body structure. Each arm has its own movement channel that allows full extension and retraction without being constrained by an external cylindrical enclosure, maintaining movement freedom while achieving compact storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are retractable umbrella frame devices comprising a base body structure at least partially surrounding a central axis structure. The central axis structure can be connected to a skeletal frame structure comprising a plurality of arms having a first end connected to the central axis structure and a second free end. The plurality of arms can be moveably connected to the central axis structure, such that the arms can be retracted into or extended from the base body structure. In some embodiments, the base body structure comprises open portions along its length. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices further comprise one or more secondary support structures at least partially surrounding the base body structure. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices can further comprise guide structures connected to the one or more secondary support structures and the arms of the skeletal frame structure.