Adjustable Temporary Shade Structure for Wind and Sun Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shade sail systems are challenging to install and adjust, particularly in environments with high winds, heavy rains, or extreme temperatures, and there are restrictions on permanent shade structures, necessitating the use of temporary or removable solutions.
Innovation Solution
A temporary shade structure system comprising a weather- and UV-resistant shade sail, connection poles made from suitable materials, and ropes or lines, which are also resistant to weather and UV radiation, allowing for adjustments in sun location and wind direction through height or angle alterations, with optional safety features like wind sensors and automatic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shade sails are tensioned between poles using ropes or lines to provide shade protection, then the shade structure can be adjusted to accommodate changes in sun location and wind direction, but the installation and adjustment become challenging in environments with high winds, heavy rains, or extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection poles height-adjustable and the shade sail position reconfigurable. The poles can be moved vertically within the cleats, and the sail can be repositioned by adjusting the rope lengths and cleat positions, allowing the structure to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining ease of operation through simple mechanical adjustments rather than complex tensioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the shade structure into modular components: individual poles that can be independently adjusted, separate cleats for height control, and detachable rope connections. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted or replaced independently, simplifying installation and maintenance while maintaining overall system adaptability to different sun and wind conditions
2Reliability
If permanent shade structures are installed to provide consistent shade coverage, then the structure offers stable protection from elements, but installation is restricted in many cities or towns requiring temporary or removable solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic temporary structure where the shade sail can be easily assembled and disassembled. The connection poles insert into cleats and can be removed by simply lifting them out, allowing the structure to provide reliable shade protection when installed while meeting temporary structure requirements through its removable design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cleats as intermediary elements between the poles and the ground/structure. These cleats serve as mounting points that allow easy installation and removal of the poles, enabling the shade structure to be temporarily installed on existing structures like docks or decks without permanent modifications, thus bridging the need for reliable shade with temporary installation requirements
3Reliability
If the shade sail is made from weather and UV resistant materials to withstand environmental conditions, then the durability is improved, but the cost and complexity of material selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by specifying that the ropes or lines be made from the same weather and UV resistant materials as the shade sail itself (nylon, polyester, or other synthetic materials). This uniform material selection ensures consistent performance across all components exposed to environmental conditions while simplifying the overall material specification process, as all external components use materials with similar weather resistance properties
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary shade structure system includes a weather and UV radiation resistant shade sail, at least three connection poles suitable for the installation environment, and weather and UV radiation resistant ropes or lines. The shade sail is connected to the poles using the ropes or lines. The system is adjustable to accommodate changes in sun location and wind direction. The system is designed to withstand different environmental conditions such as high winds, heavy rains, or extreme temperatures. A method for erecting the shade structure over a dock or deck is also disclosed, which involves identifying suitable structures for attaching the shade sail system, measuring the area for the sail, ordering the sail based on the measurements, and installing and adjusting the sail.