Stand Umbrella Coupling for Tool-Free Locked Heater Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standing umbrellas with radiant heaters lack a reliable and tool-free mechanism for quick and secure attachment and detachment of power consumers, such as radiant heaters, which is crucial for outdoor use in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with first and second coupling parts, each with plug elements and plug axes, allows for a pivoting mechanism that transitions between axially locked and released positions, ensuring a secure electrical and mechanical connection, facilitated by a releasable anti-rotation device and pivot angles, enabling easy attachment and detachment of power consumers like radiant heaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent mechanical attachment method is used to secure the radiant heater to the umbrella, then the connection stability is improved, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two separate coupling parts: a first coupling part attached to the radiant heater and a second coupling part attached to the umbrella. This segmentation allows the heater to be quickly detached and reattached without tools, while the coupling mechanism itself provides secure connection when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts incorporate a pivoting mechanism that transitions between locked and released positions. The dynamic locking mechanism uses spring-loaded elements and movable locking arms that automatically engage when the coupling parts are brought together, providing secure attachment without requiring manual tool operation.
2Productivity
If a simple plug connection is used for electrical connection, then the installation speed is improved, but the connection stability in windy conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mechanical coupling function and electrical connection function into a single integrated operation. When the first and second coupling parts are brought together, both the mechanical locking mechanism and the electrical plug connection are established simultaneously through the same pivoting and locking motion, eliminating the need for separate connection steps.
3Ease of operation
If the plug elements are designed for easy coaxial alignment, then the connection ease is improved, but the anti-rotation stability in locked position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling parts feature asymmetric guiding surfaces and positioning elements that naturally guide the plug elements into coaxial alignment during the approach phase. Once aligned, asymmetric locking surfaces and spring-loaded locking arms engage to prevent rotation in the locked position, providing both ease of alignment and rotational stability.
4Ease of operation
If a tool-free attachment mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded elements that automatically engage the locking arms when the coupling parts are brought together. The springs provide the necessary force to secure the connection without requiring manual tool operation, while the mechanical geometry of the locking surfaces ensures adequate connection strength.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A standing umbrella (1) has a connecting device (2) for detachably fastening a power consumer (4) to a canopy component (6) of the standing umbrella (1), wherein the connecting device (2) comprises a first coupling part (8) that can be operatively connected electrically and mechanically to the power consumer (4), and a second coupling part (10) that can be operatively connected electrically and mechanically to the canopy component (6). By moving a first and second plug element (12, 14) together, a retracted plug position with an operative electrical connection between the first coupling part (8) and the second coupling part (10) can be established. By pivoting the first coupling part (8) with respect to the second coupling part (10), the connecting device (2) changes between an axially released plug position and an axially locked plug position.