Umbrella Positioning Mechanism with External Latching Hook
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella positioning mechanisms require openings in the mast for spring mechanisms, reducing stability and increasing material usage, and are costly with non-replaceable spring components.
Innovation Solution
A positioning mechanism with a tiltably mounted latching hook and spring, where the hook's upper end latches into a groove on a fixed positioning element on the mast, allowing for easy assembly and operation without separate mast openings, and enabling repair by disengaging the hub and slider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring mechanism is arranged inside the mast with openings for positioning and latching, then the positioning function is achieved, but the mast stability is reduced and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is extracted from the interior of the mast and repositioned on the exterior surface. The positioning element with integrated spring and latching hook is mounted on the outside of the mast, eliminating the need for internal openings and preserving mast structural integrity while maintaining the positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism transitions from a three-dimensional internal arrangement to a two-dimensional external surface mounting. The positioning element is arranged on the outer surface of the mast, changing the spatial dimension of the mechanism's location and avoiding interference with the mast's internal structure.
2Strength
If the wall thickness of the mast is increased to absorb higher wind forces, then the mast can withstand higher wind forces, but the material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning and locking functions are extracted from the mast structure itself and implemented as separate external components. This allows the mast to maintain its original wall thickness and material usage while still achieving the required strength through the external positioning mechanism that provides additional locking capability.
3Reliability
If a complex spring mechanism is used inside the mast, then the positioning function is achieved, but the assembly cost increases and repair becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into modular components: the positioning element with spring and latching hook as one unit, and the positioning groove as another. This modular design allows for simplified manufacturing, easier assembly, and the possibility of replacing individual components if defects occur, reducing overall assembly cost and improving maintainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is designed to be externally accessible and self-contained within the positioning element. The spring automatically engages and disengages the latching hook through the positioning groove without requiring internal mast modifications, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity.
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
Enhances mast stability, reduces material usage, and allows for cost-effective assembly and repair by eliminating the need for complex spring mechanisms and additional mast openings.
Implementation Method 1
The upper end of the locking hook is stretched in the direction of the mast by means of a spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A positioning mechanism for an umbrella, wherein a positioning element is fixedly mounted on the mast. The support struts of the roof poles are hinged to a hub, which is movably connected to a slider that can be moved along the mast. A locking device is arranged on the hub. This device consists of at least one locking hook, which is pivotably mounted on an axis. The upper end of the locking hook is tensioned towards the mast by means of a spring. The positioning element has a locking groove in which the upper end of the locking hook engages when the positioning mechanism reaches its open position.To release the locking mechanism and close the umbrella, the slider is moved away from the crown, whereby a projection on the inside of the slider acts on the lower end of the locking hook in such a way that the upper end of the locking hook is moved away from the mast out of the locking groove of the positioning element and the locking mechanism is released.