Umbrella Rod Connector with Detachable Bolt-Covering Decorating Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella rod connectors are aesthetically unpleasing due to visible bolts and lack stability and durability in long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A connecting mechanism with a rod connector featuring a long groove for the long rod, a U-shaped groove for the short rod, and detachable decorating parts that cover the connecting pieces, ensuring a firm and stable connection while enhancing aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional rod connectors with bolt holes are used, then the connection structure is simple, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The rod connector is divided into multiple components: a base body with groove structures for rod insertion, separate decorating parts that can be detached, and connecting pieces for assembly. This segmentation allows the functional elements to be simplified while aesthetic elements can be independently designed and removed, resolving the contradiction between appearance and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorating parts are extracted as separate detachable components from the main connector body. These decorating parts can be removed to reveal the functional connecting pieces underneath, allowing the connector to switch between aesthetic mode (with decorations) and functional mode (without decorations), thus resolving the appearance versus complexity contradiction.
2Reliability
If simple clamping arms are used for rod connection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection stability deteriorates in long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates pre-designed groove structures (long groove for the long rod, U-shaped groove for the short rod) that are formed during manufacturing. These grooves preliminarily position the rods correctly, ensuring stable connection from the outset. The grooves work in conjunction with connecting pieces to provide preliminary constraint, preventing misalignment and enhancing long-term connection reliability without adding complex assembly steps.
3Ease of operation
If decorating parts are made detachable, then the ease of operation is improved for replacement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a base body, decorating parts, and connecting pieces. The decorating parts are designed as separate detachable modules that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation enables easy operation for maintenance or aesthetic updates while keeping the overall connector structure relatively simple through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body of the connector is designed with universal groove structures that can accommodate different types of rods and support various decorating parts. The connecting pieces serve multiple functions: structural connection, positioning, and providing attachment points for decorating parts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite the detachable decorating feature.
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 mechanism provides a stable, easy-to-assemble connection with improved aesthetics by hiding connecting pieces and allowing for easy replacement of decorating parts.
Implementation Method 1
each decorating part has one or more elastic buckles protruding from the convex surface, and each side plate has one or more corresponding positioning holes at the recess each for receiving one elastic buckle of each decorating part
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting mechanism for connecting a long rod and a short rod of an umbrella comprises a rod connector and two detachable decorating parts. The rod connector has a long groove at a top of the rod connector for receiving the long rod. The rod connector is connected to a middle portion of the long rod. The rod connector has a U-shaped groove at a bottom of the rod connector for receiving an end of the short rod. The end of the short rod is rotatably connected to the rod connector through a connecting pin. The two decorating parts are respectively disposed at a front side and a back side of the rod connector to shelter the connecting pieces such as bolts, so that the overall appearance is improved. Moreover, the rod connector is easy to mount, and the decorating parts are detachable and easy to replace.