Umbrella Ground Engagement Structure for Stable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable umbrellas struggle with ease of installation and placement in various terrains due to shifting ground conditions, obstacles, and moisture, which complicates obtaining a stable foundation.
Innovation Solution
The umbrella features a ground engagement structure with a material shifting structure and a receiving groove, allowing for deeper penetration into the ground, and a detachable pole system for improved installation and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple ground engagement structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and depth of ground engagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground engagement structure incorporates a curved surface that rotates during installation, enabling the umbrella to penetrate deeper into the ground and achieve more stable engagement. The curved geometry facilitates rotational motion that shifts ground material, creating a more secure foundation compared to straight-sided engagement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground engagement structure is designed to rotate dynamically during installation rather than being pushed straight down. This rotational movement allows the curved surface to effectively displace and shift ground material, enabling deeper penetration and more stable engagement while maintaining relatively simple structural complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ground engagement structure is designed for deep penetration, then the stability in shifting terrain is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface of the ground engagement structure naturally guides rotational motion during installation, making it easier to achieve deep penetration. The geometry itself facilitates the shifting of ground material through rotation, reducing the physical effort required compared to forcing a straight-sided structure into difficult terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational motion of the curved ground engagement structure creates a dynamic installation process that can overcome resistance from rocks, moisture, and vegetation more effectively than static pushing methods, improving ease of operation in challenging terrains while achieving stable deep engagement.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed pole structure is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different terrains and height requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be connected in different configurations. This allows the umbrella height to be adjusted based on specific terrain requirements and usage needs, while each individual pole segment remains relatively simple to manufacture. The modular design provides adaptability without significantly complicating the manufacturing of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable pole segments can be assembled and disassembled to adapt to different terrain conditions and height requirements. This dynamic configuration capability allows the same set of pole segments to serve multiple purposes across various terrains, enhancing versatility while keeping individual segment manufacturing simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella includes: a pole part having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a pole axis extending through the first end and the second end; an umbrella part at the first end; and a ground engagement structure extending from the second end for engaging a ground. The ground engagement structure includes: a material shifting structure extending radially relative to the pole part; and a material receiving groove adjacent to the material shifting structure.