Umbrella Rod Assembly with Trigger and Spring Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic umbrellas often require complex mechanisms for opening and closing, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, lacking a seamless deployment and stowage process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rod assembly with a canopy, a stationary handgrip, a compression spring for automatic deployment, and a trigger assembly, along with a movable handle that translates to open and close the umbrella, utilizing a tension spring for easy operation and compact stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a compression spring is used for automatic deployment, then the opening speed and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional spring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is pre-loaded within the handgrip to automatically deploy the canopy when the trigger is released, allowing the system to self-deploy without requiring manual pulling or complex multi-step operations. The stored elastic energy in the spring provides the force needed to open the umbrella automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring is pre-compressed and stored within the handgrip before use, preparing the deployment force in advance. When the trigger assembly is actuated and then released, the pre-loaded spring immediately executes the deployment action, enabling rapid one-handed opening without requiring the user to manually pull or assemble components.
2Ease of operation
If a movable handle with tension spring is added for closing, then the ease of closing and compact stowage are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to translate along the shaft during closing. The tension spring provides dynamic assistance throughout the closing motion, automatically returning the handle to its initial position after the canopy is closed. This dynamic design enables easy one-handed closing without requiring the user to manually pull the canopy back.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension spring automatically returns the movable handle to its initial retracted position after the canopy has been closed, eliminating the need for the user to manually reset the handle. The spring self-services the system by maintaining the handle in its correct starting position for the next opening operation.
3Reliability
If trigger assembly with releasable connection is used, then the reliability of deployment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional trigger mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly replaces complex multi-component mechanical locking systems with a simpler cam-based releasable connection. The cam geometry provides reliable mechanical advantage for holding the compressed spring, while the trigger mechanism offers a simple, reliable release action that initiates automatic deployment with minimal components.
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
This design simplifies the opening and closing process, providing a smooth and efficient deployment mechanism while ensuring the umbrella can be easily stowed in a compact form, enhancing user experience and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring that is located within the handgrip and is biased to deploy at least one rod of the rod assembly and move the canopy toward the open position
Implementation Method 2
a tension spring that is positioned to move the handle from the extended position back to the retracted position after the canopy is closed
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella includes (a) a rod assembly including a plurality of rods; (b) a canopy connected to the rod assembly and movable between an open position in which the canopy is deployed and a closed position in which the canopy is retracted; (c) a stationary handgrip connected to the rod assembly for grasping the umbrella; (d) a trigger assembly that is releasably connected to at least one rod of the rod assembly, wherein, upon actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger releases the at least one rod of the rod assembly which deploys and causes the canopy to move from the closed position to the open position; and (e) a handle movable with respect to the handgrip and connected to the rod assembly, the handle being translatable to move the canopy from the open position to the closed position.