Canopy Support Structure with 3D Hub Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pole-mounted canopy support structures lack the ability to independently configure their height and span, limiting the structure's flexibility and practicality, especially in eccentric canopy designs where arms extend unevenly.
Innovation Solution
A canopy support structure comprising a pole, a three-dimensional array of hub pairs, and articulating arms that move towards each other during extension and away during retraction, with scissor-connected primary articulating arms connecting the hubs, allowing for adjustable height and span without interference with the ground or objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the structure height is increased to allow arms to close without hitting the ground, then the span of extended arms is limited by practical height constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar scissor mechanism to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. The articulating arms are arranged in multiple tiers (upper and lower sets) that can move independently in three-dimensional space, allowing the canopy to achieve large horizontal spans without requiring excessive vertical height. The hubs can pivot and translate along the pole, enabling the arms to configure in三维 space rather than being constrained to a single plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable hub positions that can move along the pole at different heights. The upper and lower sets of articulating arms can independently adjust their configuration and height, allowing the structure to adapt its span and height relationship based on operational requirements rather than being fixed by a single height constraint.
2Ease of operation
If the structure height is reduced for practical installation, then the arms cannot close without hitting the ground or objects
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing three-dimensional spatial configuration with upper and lower sets of articulating arms, the patent allows the canopy to achieve sufficient clearance from the ground through vertical stacking rather than requiring a single tall structure. The arms can close in a compact three-dimensional arrangement that minimizes ground interference while maintaining practical installation height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the articulating arm system into upper and lower sets that can operate independently. This segmentation allows each set to be optimized for different functions - the lower set can stay closer to the ground while the upper set provides the necessary clearance, eliminating the need for the entire structure to be excessively tall.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pole-mounted structures are used, then height and span cannot be independently configured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable hub positions that can move independently along the pole at different heights. Each hub can be positioned and locked at various locations, allowing independent configuration of height and span parameters. The upper and lower sets of articulating arms can be adjusted separately, providing versatile configuration options without requiring a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal hub components that can accommodate multiple functions - serving as pivot points, translation guides, and connection nodes for both upper and lower articulating arm sets. These multi-functional hubs reduce the need for separate specialized components for each configuration parameter, thereby managing device complexity while achieving independent height and span configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A canopy support structure includes first and second hubs coupled to and movable along the pole or first and second hubs of which one is coupled to and movable along a track. The first and second hubs are movable toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure. A plurality of articulating arms is connected directly or indirectly to the first and second hubs. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. At least some of the sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms are connected directly to the first and second hubs and extend outward from the first and secondary hubs during expansion of the canopy support structure.