Quick Connector for Umbrella Strut Assembly Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling umbrella frames are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and lack stability, especially for larger umbrellas, due to complex alignment and temporary fixation issues during assembly, leading to potential strut misplacement and reduced transverse stability under wind forces.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling system comprising a receiving element with vertical recesses and horizontal slots for securing pins, and a locking element with vertical locking pins and latching hooks, allowing for easy assembly and secure fixation of umbrella struts, with optional elastic materials and enlarged pin diameters for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional assembly methods with turntables and multiple components are used, then the frame structure can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate halves: a receiving half with vertical recesses for strut insertion, and a locking half with locking pins and latching hooks. This segmentation allows simple individual components to be assembled together without requiring complex turntables or multiple assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving half and locking half are merged together to form the complete coupling device. The receiving half provides strut accommodation while the locking half provides secure fixation, combining both functions in a single integrated assembly that eliminates the need for separate turntables and multiple components.
2Ease of operation
If struts are inserted without proper fixation during assembly, then assembly is simpler, but struts can change position or leave the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving half is prepared in advance with vertical recesses and horizontal slots positioned to guide strut insertion. The locking half is prepared with locking pins and latching hooks ready to engage. This preliminary configuration ensures that when struts are inserted, they are automatically guided to the correct position and then secured, preventing position changes during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal slots in the receiving half act as intermediaries that temporarily hold the securing pins of struts during insertion. These slots guide the pins into the correct position before the locking half is engaged, ensuring proper alignment while allowing easy insertion, and then transfer control to the locking mechanism for secure fixation.
3Productivity
If nodes are assembled in two halves with latching hooks, then assembly is quicker, but alignment is complicated and struts can slip out
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving half and locking half are designed with asymmetric features: the receiving half has vertical recesses oriented in specific directions, while the locking half has corresponding locking pins and latching hooks positioned asymmetrically. This asymmetric design provides natural alignment guides that simplify the alignment process between the two halves during assembly, eliminating the complication of achieving correct orientation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If struts are flattened to fit cavities, then they can be accommodated in the mount, but transverse stability is reduced under wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical recesses in the receiving half provide localized accommodation features that fit around the strut shape without requiring the entire strut to be flattened. This allows the strut to maintain its original cross-sectional geometry and transverse stability while still being properly accommodated and secured in the mounting position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A quick-release coupling for weather protection, such as an umbrella or a collapsible weather protection structure, wherein the quick-release coupling according to the invention consists of two parts (1, 8). During assembly, the struts (11) of the weather protection structure are inserted into a groove (2) of one part of the quick-release coupling, which is then closed by the other part. The groove can be designed such that the struts (11) are engaged as soon as they are inserted, which further simplifies the assembly of the weather protection structure.