Adjustable Shade Rail System for Outdoor Shelter Sunlight Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor shelters lack adjustable shading capabilities, as their fixed roof structures do not allow users to modify the amount of shade based on directional changes in sunlight throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
A rail system for outdoor shelters, comprising support post members, guide rail members, and a shade support pole member that can be slidably displaced along the guide rails to adjust the overhang of the shade member, enabling users to modify the shading quality and compensate for 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 member with sliding mechanism allows the shade member to move between multiple positions, enabling adaptation to different 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 main support structure. The shade member is divided into independent components (shade member, shade support pole member, guide rail members) that can be adjusted relative to each other, allowing flexibility in shading position without requiring complex integration throughout the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed roof structure is used, then the manufacturing process remains simple, but the ability to adjust shading qualities according to user needs is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows users to easily change the shading position by sliding the shade member along the guide rails. The sliding mechanism with positioning features provides intuitive operation while the modular design keeps manufacturing relatively straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial adjustability rather than complete reconfigurability. The shade member can be adjusted to multiple discrete positions along the guide rails, which provides sufficient flexibility for user needs without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes for continuous or full reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shade member is made adjustable along guide rails, then the adaptability to changing sunlight conditions is improved, but the structural complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roof structure is segmented into distinct functional modules: support post members, guide rail members coupled to the support posts, and a shade member with a sliding support mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in itself while providing collective adaptability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define the movement path for the shade member, and enable adjustment to multiple positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components that would otherwise be required.
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor shelter and a rail system for the outdoor shelter are disclosed herein. The outdoor shelter includes a plurality of corner support members disposed at respective corners of the outdoor shelter, the plurality of corner support members comprising a first corner support member, a second corner support member, a third corner support member, and a fourth corner support member; a plurality of peripheral beam members, a first one of the plurality of peripheral beam members configured to extend in a longitudinal direction between the first and third corner support members, and a second one of the plurality of peripheral beam members configured to extend in a transverse direction between the first and second corner support members; and a shade member disposed above at least one of the first and second ones of the plurality of peripheral beam members.