Umbrella Fabric Winding Mechanism for Automatic Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing umbrellas are cumbersome to draw in and require manual ordering and binding of the fabric for storage, making the process time-consuming and aesthetically unpleasing, while also risking fabric dirtiness and reduced lifespan if not properly retracted.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates retracting assemblies on the umbrella fabric, including internal, medium, and external arc-shaped retracting pieces made from materials like PU, TPU, or PVC, which secure the fabric and allow for automatic retraction by winding, improving fabric rigidity and ease of arrangement, and a tie band for final fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual retraction and binding method is used, then the umbrella can be drawn in, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction speedVSAvoidtime for manual arrangement and binding

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retracting assembly enables the umbrella fabric to retract itself automatically through a winding mechanism, eliminating the need for manual arrangement and binding operations. The fabric pulls itself into order as it retracts, making the system self-servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operations of arranging and binding the fabric with an automated retracting assembly that uses a winding mechanism to automatically gather and secure the fabric during retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Shape

If manual arrangement of fabric is required, then the fabric can be neatly stored, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabric arrangement neatnessVSAvoidease of fabric arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retracting assembly causes the umbrella fabric to arrange itself neatly through the winding action during retraction. The fabric automatically gathers and folds in an organized manner without requiring manual intervention to achieve neat arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the umbrella is not properly drawn in, then the retraction process is simplified, but the fabric becomes dirty and service life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction efficiencyVSAvoidfabric protection and service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retracting assembly automatically ensures proper fabric gathering and protection during retraction through its winding mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual protection steps while maintaining fabric cleanliness and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10743626B2Umbrella drawing-in by winding

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 CHO CHIN HSING

AI summary

An umbrella drawing-in by winding includes an umbrella fabric, a frame, a shaft and retracting assemblies. The frame includes a notch, a runner and a rib support set. A top end of the rib support set is secured at a top end of the shaft via the notch. A bottom end of the rib support set is secured on the shaft via the runner. The umbrella fabric has folds and is secured on the frame. The retracting assemblies are secured on one side of the folds.