Umbrella Framework Integrated Nests and Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional umbrella frameworks require multiple materials and complex assembly processes due to the use of distinct components like metal rings, wires, and drilled parts, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inconvenient assembly.

Innovation Solution

The upper nest, lower nest, and middle disk are formed integrally of the same material, featuring a nest body with surrounding pins that can swing freely, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced material types by eliminating the need for metal rings and wires, and using a thermoplastic material like high-strength polypropylene for structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal rings and metal wires are used to connect long bones to supporting bones, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing material types increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the nest body and pins into a single integrated component made of thermoplastic material. The pins are formed as integral parts of the nest body through injection molding, eliminating the need for separate metal rings and wires. This integration maintains connection strength while reducing device complexity and the number of material types required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal rings and wires to thermoplastic material. This material substitution allows for integrated manufacturing of the nest body and pins, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adequate connection strength through the thermoplastic's mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If metal rings and metal wires are used for connecting bones, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the nest body and pins into a single molded component, the manufacturing process is simplified. The integrated structure eliminates multiple assembly steps required for separate metal rings and wires, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining connection reliability through the unified thermoplastic construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical assembly system of separate metal rings and wires with a monolithic thermoplastic component. This substitution eliminates the need for complex assembly operations while maintaining the structural integrity and reliability of the bone connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If multiple materials like metal rings and wires are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of nest body and pins into a single thermoplastic component reduces the number of materials required and simplifies the manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for multiple metal components and their associated manufacturing and assembly operations, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Changing from multiple metal materials to a single thermoplastic material reduces material diversity and manufacturing complexity. The thermoplastic material can be molded in various configurations (nest body and pins) in a single manufacturing process, reducing overall manufacturing cost while providing sufficient mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If long bones are drilled and pivoted to supporting bones, then the connection precision is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated nest body and pin structure eliminates the need for drilling and pivoting operations. The pins are pre-formed as integral parts of the nest body, allowing for direct insertion and connection to supporting bones, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining connection precision through the precision-molded thermoplastic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9265313B1Member structure for umbrella framework

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 MA JOEN SHEN

AI summary

An upper nest and a lower nest of an umbrella framework each comprise a nest body and a plurality of pins around the nest body. Each pin is integrally connected with the nest body via a connecting section. Each middle disk comprises a pin, which is disposed on an outer wall of a sleeve and integrally connected with the sleeve. Each long bone has an upper end thereof coupled with a pin of the upper nest, and the sleeve of each middle disk is fitted over a middle part of the long bone. Each short bone has an upper end thereof coupled with the pin of the middle disk, and a lower end thereof coupled with a pin of the lower nest. Thereby, an improved member structure for an umbrella framework is formed.