Canopy Support Structure With Telescopic Pole And Scissor Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pole-mounted canopy support structures lack the ability to independently configure their height and span, limiting their versatility and practicality, especially in eccentric canopy structures where arms extend in a longer direction on one side, leading to constraints in both extension and retraction.
Innovation Solution
A canopy support structure featuring a support pole with a track and a three-dimensional array of hub pairs, including a primary hub pair and secondary hub pairs, connected by articulating arms that are scissor-connected and pivotally linked, allowing for adjustable extension and retraction by sliding and pivoting along the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the structure is made tall enough for retractable arms to close without hitting the ground, then the arms can fully retract, but the span of the extended arms is limited by the practical height constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support structure height adjustable through a telescoping pole mechanism. The pole can extend to different heights depending on the desired canopy span, transforming a fixed-height constraint into a variable parameter. This allows the structure to dynamically adapt its height to match the required span for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of structure height from a fixed value to an adjustable variable. By incorporating a telescoping pole with multiple sections that can be extended or retracted, the system can modify its height parameter to optimize both the span and retraction capability for different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the structure uses a fixed height design, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the structure cannot independently configure both height and span
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple telescoping sections that can independently adjust length. This segmentation allows the pole to achieve variable heights while maintaining structural integrity. Each segment can be manufactured separately and then assembled, which manages complexity through modular design while enabling adaptable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping pole mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables height adjustment, and facilitates span configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby managing overall device complexity while achieving independent configuration of both height and span parameters.
3Area of stationary object
If the structure is designed for maximum span, then the coverage area is increased, but the arms may hit the ground or other objects during retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping pole dynamically adjusts its height based on the canopy span configuration. When the canopy is extended to maximum span, the pole extends to provide sufficient height clearance. When the canopy is retracted, the pole can be adjusted to a lower position, ensuring the arms clear the ground throughout the retraction path, thus preventing collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary height adjustment before canopy extension or retraction. By pre-configuring the pole height to match the intended canopy span, the system ensures adequate clearance is established in advance, preventing ground contact during subsequent arm movements.
Data Source
AI summary
A canopy support structure includes a support pole having a track, a three-dimensional array of hub pairs, and a plurality of articulating arms connecting the hub pairs. The track extends in a longitudinal direction along the support pole. The hubs of each hub pair are movable toward/away from each other during extension/retraction of the canopy support structure. A primary hub pair includes a first hub and a second hub, with each of the first hub and the second hub coupled to the support pole. At least one of the first hub and the second hub is slidably engaged with the track and movable along the support pole. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. Each of the hub pairs is pivotally connected to at least one other of the hub pairs by a respective set of the scissor-connected primary articulating arms.