Motorized Umbrella Screw-Rod Mechanism for One-Handed Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-automatic umbrellas require manual furling, which is inconvenient for individuals with limited hand use, such as the elderly, children, or those with disabilities, and cumbersome for frequent use scenarios like golfing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a screw rod and ascending/descending nut mechanism, guided by a screw-shaped groove, allows automatic opening and closing, with manual operation as a backup, using a drive motor and manual manipulation of an ascending/descending bar to ascend and descend along the groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual furling is used in semi-automatic umbrellas, then the opening operation is easy and automatic, but the closing operation requires two hands and significant force, making it inconvenient for elderly, children, and physically disabled people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual furling system with an automated motor-driven system. The motor (170) automatically winds the cord (130) to furl the umbrella, eliminating the need for manual two-handed operation and making the closing operation accessible to elderly, children, and physically disabled people.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit (150) as an intermediary between the user and the motor system. The control unit receives signals from the closing button (140) and controls the motor to execute the furling operation, enabling automated closing with minimal user input (pressing a button).
2Productivity
If frequent furling and unfurling is required (e.g., during golf), then the automatic opening is convenient, but the manual furling motion becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces repetitive manual furling operations with automated motor-driven furling. The motor (170) automatically winds the cord (130) based on control signals, eliminating the need for repeated manual two-handed motions and making frequent operations during activities like golf convenient and non-cumbersome.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the furling operation automatically without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once the closing button (140) is pressed, the control unit (150) autonomously controls the motor (170) to complete the furling process, allowing the user to simply press the button and release.
3Extent of automation
If a motor-driven automatic system is implemented, then both opening and closing operations become automatic, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor (170) serves dual functions: it winds the cord (130) in one direction to furl the umbrella and unwinds it in the opposite direction to unfurl the umbrella. The control unit (150) manages both operations using the same motor, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for opening and closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the opening and closing mechanisms into a single integrated system. The motor (170), control unit (150), and cord (130) work together to perform both unfurling and furling operations, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems and reducing overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ascending/descending bar is manually operated, then manual operation is possible in emergencies, but the guide groove structure increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove (31) structure allows the ascending/descending bar (40) to dynamically switch between motor-driven automatic operation and manual operation modes. The groove geometry enables smooth transitions and positioning in both modes, providing adaptability without requiring separate mechanisms for each operation type.
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 one-handed automatic operation and manual operation in emergencies, improving usability and convenience for all users, especially in situations where power is unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
a screw rod (10) configured to have a screw-shaped guide groove (11) formed along an outer circumferential surface of the screw rod (10). An ascending/descending nut (20) is guided along the screw-shaped guide groove (11) and screw-coupled to the screw rod (10) to ascend and descend when the screw rod (10) rotates forward and backward.
Implementation Method 2
An elastic spring (23) for elastically supporting the ascending/descending nut (20) which has ascended is provided at an upper end portion of the screw rod (10).
Implementation Method 3
a lubricating ring for reducing friction and preventing friction noise against the guide groove is formed on the guide protrusion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a manually operable device for automatically opening and closing an umbrella or a parasol. The manually operable device makes it possible to automatically open and close an umbrella or a parasol, thus enabling one-handed operation. The present invention is configured to include a screw rod (10) having a predetermined length and having a screw-shaped guide groove (11) formed along an outer circumferential surface of the screw rod. The present invention is configured to include an ascending/descending nut (20) that is guided along the guide groove (11) to ascend and descend when the screw rod (10) rotates forward and backward. The screw rod (10) is formed to be inserted into an umbrella rod. The umbrella rod has a guide groove (31) for guiding a guide protrusion (21) protruding from an outer surface of the ascending/descending nut (20), the guide groove being formed in a length direction of the umbrella rod. An ascending/descending bar is formed to be connected to the guide protrusion (21) and has a cylindrical shape surrounding an umbrella rod (30) to ascend and descend together with the ascending/descending nut (20). Multiple umbrella spokes (60) are connected to an outer upper portion of the ascending/descending bar in a radial shape. A drive motor (50) is provided at a lower portion of the screw rod (10) to transmit forward torque or backward torque to the screw rod.