A project by:

Mentors -

Aarav (241ME202)​ 

Manas (241ME133) 

Shreyansh (241ME254)​ 

Mentees -

Abhishek Panse (251ME341) 

Manimalini Nalam (251ME231)​ 

Swanand Tatke (251ME160)​ 

Aim:

The aim of the project is to design and model an umbrella in fusion 360 and perform its structural analysis in ansys.

Introduction:

In our project, we explore the design and modelling of a structurally resilient umbrella using Autodesk Fusion 360. A parameterized skeletal model was developed incorporating revolute and slider joints to enable controlled mechanical motion across the assembly. The designed umbrella, with a canopy diameter of 1.5 m, was subsequently subjected to static structural analysis in ANSYS using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), mapping stress concentrations, structural deformations, and displacement profiles in the fully open state. This project offers a meaningful step towards engineering everyday utility products with improved mechanical reliability and real-world durability. 

Methodology:

Designing and modelling in fusion 360:

The primary phase involved attaining proficiency with the Autodesk Fusion 360 user interface by executing foundational 3D modelling assignments, followed by the development of assembly designs incorporating various mechanical joints.

Subsequently, the independent conceptualization of a conventional umbrella model was undertaken, followed by its detailed computer-aided design (CAD) modeling utilizing the comprehensive feature set of Autodesk Fusion 360.

Results:

 CAD Model - Fusion 360

A fully parametric 3D assembly of the umbrella mechanism was successfully created in Autodesk Fusion 360. The final model comprises a central shaft, a runner (slider), a crown hub, 8 main ribs, and 8 corresponding stretchers, all assembled into a functional linkage system.

The canopy spans a diameter of 1.5 metres in the fully open position, providing adequate coverage while keeping the structure lightweight and balanced. The 8-spoke configuration was chosen to distribute load evenly across the canopy and maintain structural symmetry.

Joint types used:

Revolute joints were applied at all rib-to-hub and stretcher-to-rib connections, allowing rotational motion about a fixed axis and correctly replicating the folding and unfolding behaviour of a real umbrella.

Slider joints were applied to the runner along the central shaft, enabling it to translate axially up and down - which is the primary motion that drives the opening and closing of the canopy.

The assembly accurately reflects the real-world kinematic constraints of an umbrella mechanism, with each component's motion being dependent on and consistent with the others.

 Motion Simulation - Fusion 360

The motion simulation was carried out within Fusion 360 to validate the kinematic behaviour of the assembled model. When the runner was driven upward along the shaft via the slider joint, the stretchers pushed the ribs outward and upward, causing the canopy to open smoothly and symmetrically across all 8 spokes. The reverse motion — runner sliding downward — caused the ribs to fold back inward, closing the canopy correctly.

The simulation confirmed that:

All 8 ribs moved in a fully synchronised and symmetric manner throughout the range of motion.

There were no joint conflicts or interference between components during opening or closing.

The linkage geometry was correct — the revolute and slider joints together produced the expected coupled motion, with no degrees of freedom left unconstrained.

The completed simulation demonstrates that the designed mechanism faithfully replicates the operation of a physical umbrella, forming a reliable kinematic foundation for the subsequent structural analysis in ANSYS.

Structural analysis in ansys:

Total deformation and equivalent stress at 200Pa

Total deformation and equivalent stress at 400Pa

Total deformation and equivalent stress 1000 Pa