Umbrella Pivoting Locking Collar for Wind-Stable Canopy Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cantilever/offset umbrellas face difficulties in easy adjustment of the canopy angle due to complex actuation mechanisms requiring significant user effort or improper locking, leading to unexpected movement during wind gusts.
Innovation Solution
A sliding collar mechanism with a locking device that includes elastic members and a pivotable locking arm to facilitate easy adjustment and reliable locking of the canopy angle, using a track with interweaved teeth and recesses, and a winding device for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a crank mechanism is used to adjust the canopy angle, then the canopy can be suspended to the side of the main pole, but the mechanism requires significant winding force and the rope may bind and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional crank mechanism with a telescopic arm assembly that uses a locking pin and groove interaction system. The locking pin engages with grooves on the telescopic arm to maintain angular position without requiring continuous winding force, eliminating rope binding and wear issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device automatically maintains the canopy angle through the interaction between the locking pin and grooves on the telescopic arm. Once positioned, the system self-locks without requiring continuous user input or winding force, allowing the mechanism to serve itself in maintaining the angular position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex actuation mechanism is used to adjust the canopy angle, then the canopy can be positioned at different angles, but the mechanism requires significant user effort and may not lock properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the angle adjustment mechanism into discrete components: a telescopic arm with multiple grooves, a locking pin that engages with these grooves, and a sliding collar. Each groove represents a discrete angular position, allowing versatile adjustment while simplifying the locking action to a simple pin engagement rather than complex continuous control.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic arm can dynamically extend and retract to achieve different angular positions, with the locking pin providing stable locking at each position. The system transitions smoothly between dynamic adjustment and static locking states, enabling both versatility and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the locking device is designed to securely lock the sliding collar, then the canopy angle remains stable in wind, but the locking mechanism may require complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex mechanisms and implements it through a simple locking pin that engages with grooves on the telescopic arm. This extracted locking mechanism provides reliable stability in windy conditions while maintaining minimal structural complexity, as the locking pin simply needs to engage with pre-formed grooves rather than complex interlocking components.
4Ease of operation
If a sliding collar mechanism is used to control the canopy angle, then the angle adjustment is smooth, but the mechanism may not lock securely without additional locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sliding collar mechanism with a locking device that includes a locking pin and elastic member. The sliding collar provides smooth angular adjustment through telescopic arm movement, while the integrated locking pin engages with grooves to provide secure locking. The elastic member ensures the locking pin maintains engagement pressure, combining smooth operation and reliable locking in a single integrated system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy and reliable adjustment of the canopy angle with minimal user effort, ensuring secure locking and smooth operation even in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device includes first and second elastic members configured to bias the locking arm in the engagement position and an activation button
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella includes a vertical support having a track carried on an outer surface of the vertical support, the track extending longitudinally, and a canopy configured to switch between an open state and a closed state. The umbrella also includes a sliding collar coupled to the vertical support and configured to slidingly engage the vertical support to control an angle of the canopy with respect to the vertical support, a first arm coupled between the sliding collar and the canopy, and a second arm coupled between the vertical support and the first arm. The sliding collar has a housing defining a recess, an activation button slidingly received by the recess of the housing and switching between an extended state and a retracted state, and a locking device carried by the housing. The locking device is configured to pivot about the housing to selectively engage the track in the extended state.