Umbrella Rotation Base Foot Pedal Pin Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotation mechanisms for large outdoor umbrellas are cumbersome, difficult to repair, and expensive to manufacture, making it challenging to facilitate the rotation of cantilever type umbrellas due to their configuration and weight.
Innovation Solution
An improved umbrella base assembly featuring an actuator assembly with a foot pedal and pin system that allows for easy rotation of the canopy assembly by retracting the pin from apertures using a spring mechanism, enabling the umbrella to be locked or rotated with a simple and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rotation mechanism is used for large outdoor umbrellas, then the canopy can be rotated, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome, difficult to repair, and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is segmented into discrete functional components: a pin that engages with apertures in the first support, an actuator with foot pedal for pin retraction, and a spring for automatic return. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and independently replaceable, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining rotational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The essential locking function is extracted from a complex continuous rotation mechanism and implemented through a simple pin-aperture engagement system. The pin can be individually removed from specific apertures to enable rotation at desired positions, simplifying the overall mechanism by taking out only the necessary locking elements rather than using a complex continuous control system
2Ease of operation
If a traditional rotation mechanism is used for large outdoor umbrellas, then the canopy can be rotated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin, actuator, and spring components are designed as simple, inexpensive elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The foot pedal actuator with spring return is a basic mechanical assembly that costs far less than complex electric or hydraulic rotation mechanisms, while still providing reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism that pushes or pulls to enable rotation, the invention uses a spring to automatically return the actuator to its original position after the pin is retracted by foot pedal pressure. This inversion of the control logic (using passive spring return rather than active continuous control) simplifies manufacturing
3Reliability
If the pin is biased into the aperture by a spring, then the umbrella base is automatically locked, but the foot pedal must continuously counteract the spring force to rotate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states. The spring continuously applies force to maintain the locked state, but when the foot pedal is depressed, the system dynamically shifts to an unlocked state where the pin is retracted from the aperture. This dynamic operation allows reliable automatic locking during normal operation while enabling easy temporary unlocking for rotation when needed
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 operation of rotating the umbrella canopy, reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing, and enhances the usability and stability of the umbrella base, allowing for easy adjustment and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is between the foot pedal and the first support. The spring biases the pin into any one of the plurality of enclosed apertures.
Implementation Method 2
An actuator pivotably couples to the second support. The actuator includes a foot pedal disposed at a first end and pin disposed at a second end of the actuator opposite the foot pedal.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella assembly includes a rotation base. The rotation base can include a foot pedal for alternately enabling rotation and locking rotation of the umbrella assembly relative to the base. The actuator assembly can include a pin held in place by a clip for locking and enabling the rotation.