Wind Resistant Collapsible Canopy with Radial Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible canopies fail to provide both ease of erection and structural soundness to withstand high winds and inclement weather, with prior solutions being either too complex or not sufficiently robust for practical use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible canopy system comprising four independent earth anchors, a flexible arch-shaped frame, and a canopy cover, where the method of erection involves securing earth anchors into the ground using a template, assembling the frame, and attaching the cover, providing stability through compression and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional parallel-arch canopy structures are used, then shade coverage and visibility are improved, but wind resistance and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by using arched canopy frames instead of straight parallel beams. The curved arches distribute wind loads more effectively across the structure, allowing the canopy to maintain its large coverage area while significantly improving wind resistance and structural stability during inclement weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radial positioning of support legs arranged in a circular pattern, adding a dimensional aspect to the structure. This radial configuration creates a more stable base that resists uplift forces from wind better than traditional parallel arrangements, while maintaining the desired shade coverage area.
2Reliability
If earth anchors are added to improve wind resistance, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of erection worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy structure is designed to be self-anchoring through its radial leg configuration and arch geometry. The structure utilizes its own weight and geometric arrangement to create stability against wind loads, eliminating the need for separate earth anchors or tie-down systems. This self-service approach maintains structural stability while avoiding the complexity of additional anchoring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for external earth anchors and tie-down systems by incorporating stability directly into the canopy's structural design. By extracting the anchoring function from separate components and integrating it into the frame geometry and leg arrangement, the system achieves structural stability without adding device complexity or complicating the erection process.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but strength and durability in high winds worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The curved arch configuration allows lightweight materials to achieve greater strength-to-weight ratio. The arch geometry naturally distributes and redirects wind loads along the curve, enabling portable, lightweight canopy frames to withstand high winds that would overwhelm straight, rigid beams of the same material.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arrangement of support legs in a circular pattern creates a three-dimensional stable structure that efficiently transfers wind loads to the ground. This dimensional configuration allows lightweight materials to achieve the necessary wind load capacity through geometric stability rather than relying on heavy, strong materials.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a lightweight, easily transportable canopy that can be quickly erected and securely anchored to withstand high winds without the need for weights or tie-downs, maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
providing stability through compression and friction
Implementation Method 2
providing stability through compression and friction
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible canopy and method of erecting a collapsible canopy comprised of earth anchors, flexible members, and a canopy cover. The collapsible canopy is comprised of four earth anchors, flexible members, and a canopy cover. The method of erecting a collapsible canopy comprises the steps of using a ground template to sequentially determine the proper locations of the earth anchors in the ground, securing each earth anchor into the ground at its proper location as determined by the ground template, securing the canopy frame into the earth anchors, and securing the canopy cover to the canopy frame and/or earth anchors. The result is a collapsible canopy that is braced in all directions to withstand high winds, and a method of erecting a structurally robust collapsible canopy that one person can complete, alone, and in inclement weather.