Multi-Piece Umbrella Pole Assembly With Self-Aligning Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Umbrella poles are often shipped in multiple pieces, making assembly challenging due to rotational alignment issues, especially with heavy sections and internal locking devices, which can frustrate users.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-piece umbrella pole assembly featuring alignment notches and cross pins for rotational orientation, detent apertures for retention, and a detent pin system with a spring mechanism to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the umbrella pole is shipped in multiple pieces to reduce shipping volume, then the shipping efficiency is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to rotational alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment notches as intermediary features on the pole sections that mediate the alignment process. These notches serve as physical guides that automatically orient the pole sections correctly during assembly, eliminating the rotational alignment problem without requiring visual guidance or complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment notches are pre-formed on the pole sections during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when users assemble the pole, the alignment features are already in place to guide proper orientation, eliminating the need for users to perform complex alignment operations
2Ease of operation
If alignment notches and cross pins are added to facilitate assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment and locking functions into separate, simple components: alignment notches for orientation and cross pins with detent mechanisms for retention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple geometry, avoiding the need for a single complex alignment mechanism
3Reliability
If detent apertures and pins are used to secure pole sections, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic retention system where the detent pin can move between two states: engaged with the detent aperture to provide reliable connection, and disengaged to allow easy disassembly. The spring-loaded detent mechanism automatically transitions between these states based on assembly forces, providing both strong connection and easy release
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
The solution simplifies the assembly process by allowing users to align and secure pole sections without visual guidance, enhancing user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a detent spring disposed within the upper connecting portion of the interconnecting pole portion, the detent spring biasing the detent pin within the first and second detent apertures
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece umbrella pole that includes first and second pole sections that are assembled into an elongate umbrella pole. The pole sections include an alignment notch and cross pin for facilitating assembly of the two pole sections. An outer sleeve includes a button assembly that can actuate a detent pin for coupling or decoupling the pole sections. The outer sleeve can also include an actuator for a tilt mechanism that angles a canopy portion of the umbrella assembly.