Adjustable Shade Rail System for Outdoor Shelter Sunlight Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor shelters lack adjustable shading elements, failing to accommodate directional changes in sunlight throughout the day, limiting user control over shading quality.
Innovation Solution
A rail system comprising support post members, guide rail members, and a shade support pole that allows the shade member to be slidably adjusted along the guide rails, enabling users to modify the shading overhang on either side of the shelter in response to changing sunlight directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed roof structure is used in conventional outdoor shelters, then the structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but the adaptability to changing sunlight directions throughout the day is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed, static roof structure into a dynamic system where the shade member can be adjusted along guide rails. The shade support pole with sliding mechanism allows the shade member to move horizontally, enabling real-time adaptation to changing sunlight directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the roof structure by separating the shade member from the fixed support posts through the introduction of movable components (shade support pole, guide rails, sliding mechanism). This segmentation allows the shade member to be independently adjusted without affecting the stability of the entire shelter structure.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed roof structure is used in conventional outdoor shelters, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ease of operation for adjusting shading quality is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows users to easily modify the position of the shade member along the guide rails according to sunlight direction, significantly improving ease of operation. The sliding mechanism on the shade support pole provides simple, intuitive control for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the movement path for the shade member, and enables easy adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex mechanisms, balancing ease of operation with manufacturing feasibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional outdoor shelters with fixed shading elements are used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the ability to compensate for directional differences in sunlight is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shading system into fixed support elements and movable shade members connected through guide rails, the patent maintains the stability of the overall structure while enabling local adjustment of the shade member to compensate for changing sunlight directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails act as intermediaries between the fixed support posts and the movable shade member. They provide a stable, defined path for movement while transferring minimal structural load, allowing the shade member to adjust position without compromising the stability of the entire shelter structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor shelter and a rail system for the outdoor shelter are described herein. The outdoor shelter includes at least one pair of support post members, each pair of support post members including a first support post member being spaced apart from a second support post member; a first guide rail member coupled to the first support post member; a second guide rail member coupled to the second support post member; and a shade support pole member slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members, the shade support pole member being coupled to an end portion of a shade member of the outdoor shelter, and the shade support pole member configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a side of the outdoor shelter to be user-adjusted.