Umbrella Hub Deflectable Flanges Quick Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella assembly methods are labor-intensive, costly, and inefficient due to the complex interconnection of hubs and structural members, which complicates manufacturing and assembly, and are not adequately robust to handle operational loads, especially in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hub assembly with a locking device and engagement sections that allow for quick and secure connection of umbrella structural members, featuring deflectable flanges and a reduced number of parts to simplify assembly and enhance load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pins and fasteners are used to connect hubs and structural members, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated hub body structure. The hub body incorporates recesses and protrusions that directly engage with structural members, eliminating the need for separate pins and fasteners. This merging of functions allows secure connection while dramatically reducing assembly time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub body is designed with self-aligning features where recesses and protrusions automatically guide and secure structural members during assembly. The structure serves its own fastening function without requiring external fasteners or complex assembly tools, enabling quick installation while maintaining connection reliability.
2Strength
If multiple pins and fasteners are used for hub-structural member connection, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the number of subcomponents increases making supply chain management and assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple fastening components into a single integrated hub body. The hub body includes built-in recesses and protrusions that provide both structural support and fastening functions, reducing the component count from multiple separate pins and fasteners to a unified structure that maintains adequate connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, alignment guidance, and fastening capabilities through its integrated recesses and protrusions. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized fasteners while maintaining connection strength across different structural members.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified hub assembly with fewer parts is used, then manufacturing time and costs are reduced, but the ability to bear full range of operational loads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified hub body integrates multiple functions into unified structures where recesses and protrusions serve both structural and fastening purposes. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and part count while the geometric design of these features ensures adequate load-bearing capacity by distributing operational loads effectively across the hub-structural member connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub body design optimizes the geometry, size, and distribution of recesses and protrusions to achieve the required load-bearing capacity with fewer components. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the simplified structure maintains strength sufficient for operational loads while realizing manufacturing efficiencies through reduced part count.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella hub is provided that includes a hub body (100) and a plurality of slots (174). The hub body extends between an outer periphery (120) and a central aperture (124) configured to receive an umbrella pole. The slots comprise a pivot zone configured to receive and retain a mounting pin of an umbrella rib (104) or strut. The hub can be loaded in a generally horizontal direction. Deflectable surfaces enable rigid pins of the umbrella rib or strut to be engaged with the hub for pivoting therein.