Motorized Hidden Umbrella Box for Vehicle Doors

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines a hidden umbrella box comprising a box body with an umbrella barrel inside. The box rotates between a hidden position (flush with the door) and an exposed position. A bracket fixed to the vehicle supports the box via a protruding rod sliding in a rail. A first driving mechanism (motor + gears) rotates the box. A second driving mechanism (cam + gears) lifts the umbrella barrel. Both mechanisms share the same motor. The cam is positioned below the barrel; as the box opens, the cam rotates to push the barrel up. The cam is made of a deformable material to prevent jamming if the umbrella sticks. Air holes allow AC airflow; small holes prevent rain leakage.

Claim 2 specifies the cam profile: the transition from the small-radius side to the large-radius side has a tangential direction change from large to small.

Claim 3 adds a water hole and hose at the bottom of the umbrella barrel to drain water out of the vehicle.

Claim 4 notes the umbrella barrel is cylindrical and the box is square.

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed in China and is currently in force. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart. Making or selling this specific design in China requires the owner’s permission. However, since there is no US patent, the design itself does not restrict manufacturing or sales in the United States based on this patent alone.

Two points to settle early:

• Other patents may exist. Automotive interior mechanisms, particularly those involving motorized deployment and hidden storage, are a competitive field. Major suppliers like Faurecia, Magna, and Lear hold extensive portfolios on door module structures and actuation systems. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to ensure no conflicting US patents cover the specific gear linkage or cam deformation logic.
• Integration complexity. This design relies on precise alignment between the door panel, bracket, and internal mechanism. Customization must account for varying door thicknesses and curvature across different vehicle models.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• FMVSS 208/214 - Ensure the mechanism does not interfere with airbag deployment zones or occupant protection standards.
• Electrical Safety - Compliance with ISO 6722 or equivalent wire harness standards for automotive applications.
• Environmental Durability - Resistance to temperature extremes (-40°C to +85°C) and humidity per common OEM specs.
• Noise/Vibration/Harshness (NVH) - Minimize motor whine and mechanical clatter to meet cabin quietness targets.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define target vehicle model, door dimensions, and umbrella specifications.
2. Design - CAD modeling of the bracket, cam, and housing; simulation of kinematics.
3. Prototype - 3D-printed fit checks and functional samples for mechanism testing.
4. Pilot Run - Small batch assembly for durability and NVH testing.
5. Production - Injection molding, die-casting, motor assembly, and final QA.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling for injection molded parts and die-cast brackets takes several weeks. Motor and gear assemblies require sourcing lead times. Functional testing cycles for durability and environmental stress add to development time. Send us your target vehicle model, door dimensions, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

The door module and umbrella barrel would likely use injection-molded housings, while the bracket, fixed shaft and cam are typically machined aluminum or zinc parts. One motor drives both the fixed shaft and the gear pair, so the gearbox and cam profile need to share a common tooling datum. Seals and a drain path are typically added to keep water out of the door cavity.

Cost drivers

Tooling count is likely the main upfront cost: housing, cover, umbrella barrel, bracket, cam and gear set each need their own mold or fixture. Motor selection and gearbox tolerance affect both cost and noise. Sealing and drainage features add parts and assembly steps, and low vehicle volumes typically spread tooling over fewer units.

Prototyping path

Prototypes would likely start with 3D-printed housings and an off-the-shelf motor to check the swing path and cam lift. A machined bracket and shaft are typically used for the first kinematic sample. Door-panel fit, water drainage and motor current should be checked before production tooling.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely simplify the linkage between the fixed shaft and the cam gear if the timing proves sensitive. The door interface would typically be re-drawn for each vehicle model, and the drain path may need enlargement depending on the door cavity. We would also check that the cover sits flush with the door skin at the first position.

Common failure points

Water ingress past the cover seal can corrode the motor or jam the cam. The cam and gear teeth wear if the umbrella barrel binds in its guides. Door-panel tolerance stack-up can leave the cover proud or create rattles. Motor stall at the end stops is another risk if limit sensing is omitted.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does the umbrella pop up?

When the box rotates out of the door, a cam mechanism linked to the same motor pushes the umbrella barrel upward. This exposes the handle so you can grab it easily without reaching deep into the box.

What happens if the umbrella gets stuck?

The cam is made of a deformable material. If the umbrella cannot slide up due to resistance, the cam flexes instead of jamming. This allows the box to continue rotating safely, preventing damage to the motor or mechanism.

Is it waterproof?

The design includes small air holes that allow airflow from the car’s AC to keep the interior dry, but their diameter is too small for rainwater to enter. Additionally, a hose can be connected to drain any accumulated water out of the vehicle.

Can it fit any car door?

Not exactly. The mechanism requires sufficient depth within the door panel. It is best suited for vehicles with thicker door structures or custom-fitted retrofits. Specific dimensions depend on the umbrella size and motor housing.

Does it require special maintenance?

Regular cleaning of the track and rails is recommended to prevent dust buildup. The motor and gears are sealed units, typically requiring replacement rather than repair if they fail after many years of use.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent was filed in China and is in force there. The public record shows no US counterpart, so this specific patent does not restrict making or selling the design in the US. However, other automotive patents may apply, so a freedom-to-operate check is advised before volume production.

Are you affiliated with the patent owner?

No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.

Request a quote

Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN116946026B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (auto supplier, aftermarket brand, concept developer)
• Target vehicle model and door panel thickness
• Umbrella dimensions (length and diameter)
• Power requirements (voltage, activation method)
• Estimated quantity and target price
• Timeline - when you would like prototypes and the first shipment

You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.