Umbrella Hub Cord Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella hubs and cord retention mechanisms require multiple parts, are labor-intensive to assemble, and have obstructed cord paths, leading to wear, difficulty in operation, and potential unintentional dislodgment, which can result in unexpected umbrella closure.
Innovation Solution
The development of an umbrella hub with an integrated cord retention mechanism that provides an obstruction-free path for the cord, formed as a single component with minimal parts, using injection molding to combine the hub and cord retention device, featuring a slot or groove system that securely engages the cord without external protrusions, reducing friction and enhancing ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used for the hub and cord retention mechanism, then the cord can be retained securely, but the assembly becomes labor-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hub body and cord retention mechanism into a single integrated component. The hub includes an integrated cord retention feature with a cord passage and engagement surface that directly retains the cord without requiring separate retention parts. This merging eliminates multiple components while maintaining secure cord retention through the unified structure's geometric design.
2Reliability
If traditional cord retention mechanisms are used, then cord retention is achieved, but the cord path becomes obstructed leading to wear and difficulty in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a smooth, dedicated cord passage within the hub body that is optimized specifically for cord movement. The passage has a streamlined geometry with reduced friction surfaces located precisely where the cord travels, while other portions of the hub maintain their structural functions. This localized optimization allows the cord to move freely without obstruction from other mechanism components.
3Reliability
If external protrusions are used for cord engagement, then cord retention is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cord engagement surface is merged directly into the hub body as an integral geometric feature rather than a separate external protrusion. The engagement surface is formed as part of the hub's molded or machined structure, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing steps to create separate retention protrusions. This integration maintains secure cord engagement while simplifying manufacturing to a single operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An umbrella hub is provided that is operative to engage an umbrella cord for maintaining an umbrella in an open position. The hub can comprise a cord retention means or device. The cord retention means can be located within a portion of and/or adjacent, behind, abutting, and/or at the base of a connection cavity of the hub. The cord retention means can comprise a passage formed in, extending through, or extending along the hub that is configured to receive a cord therethrough. The cord retention means can be configured to allow the cord to pass freely in a first direction while preventing movement of the cord therethrough in a second direction that is opposite the first direction or to pass freely in both the first and second directions.