Umbrella Quick Frame Assembly System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current umbrella frame assembly methods require tools and fixtures, making the process difficult and hazardous, and limiting flexibility in assembling ribs vertically or horizontally.
Innovation Solution
A quick frame assembly system with upper and lower runners that use interlocking grooves and stop blocks on the upper and lower runner covers and bases, allowing for tool-free assembly by aligning and fastening these components at specific positions to immobilize shaft pins, enabling easy and flexible assembly of ribs either vertically or horizontally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional frame assembly methods using iron wires and annular grooves are used, then the ribs can be attached to the runners, but tools are required and the protruding wire ends could injure users, making the assembly difficult and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful protruding wire ends from the assembly process by replacing the traditional iron wire method with a groove-and-lug system where lugs fit into grooves and are secured by base plates, eliminating the need for protruding fasteners that could injure users
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly system is designed to be self-contained with integrated fastening mechanisms where the base plate secures the lug within the groove structure, allowing assembly without external tools or fixtures while maintaining safety through the enclosed design
2Ease of manufacture
If the current frame assembly method with U-shaped slots and fasteners is used, then the ribs can be assembled with lugs in slots, but fixtures, tools or screws are required for the frame assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the groove structure, retention mechanism, and fastening function into an integrated runner assembly where the groove is formed directly in the runner body and the base plate provides both structural support and fastening capability, eliminating the need for separate fixtures and tools
Solution Approach 2:
The runner structure serves multiple functions: it provides the groove for rib attachment, acts as the mounting surface for the base plate, and incorporates the fastening mechanism, allowing the same component to perform assembly, retention, and structural support functions
3Productivity
If traditional assembly methods are used, then the ribs can be attached to runners, but the assembly process is difficult and requires extra care
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structures are pre-formed in the runners during manufacturing, and the base plates are designed with pre-positioned mounting features, allowing the assembly process to simply involve inserting the lugs into grooves and securing with base plates without complex preparation or tooling
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella hub is provided that includes an inner portion, an outer periphery, a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of vertical grooves is disposed in the outer periphery and is configured to receive umbrella ribs or struts. A plurality of grooves extends transverse to the vertical grooves. A retention member is disposed in each of the transverse grooves. A first configuration of the hub permits deflection of the retention member such that a transverse pin coupled with the umbrella ribs or struts can be inserted into the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed. A second configuration of the hub prevents deflection of the retention member such that inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from the transverse groove in which the retention member is disposed is prevented.