Adjustable Chair Canopy Frame for Multi-Position Sun Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outdoor furniture canopies lack versatility in positioning, as they are typically fixed in either an overhead or behind-the-chair configuration, limiting their adaptability to intermediate positions and storage convenience.

Innovation Solution

A frame and canopy system that allows orientation in overhead, behind-the-furniture, and intermediate positions, with a mechanism enabling easy collapse and storage, utilizing hinged segments and pivotally attached support arms for adjustable positioning and secure attachment to chairs or other outdoor furniture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the canopy is fixed in overhead or behind-the-chair configuration, then the structure is simple and stable, but the positioning versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning versatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The canopy support structure is divided into multiple hinged segments that can be independently positioned. The canopy frame includes front and rear segments connected by hinges, allowing each segment to be adjusted to different angles and positions, enabling versatile positioning while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The canopy structure transitions from fixed positioning to dynamic adjustability through hinge connections. The hinged segments can be rotated and positioned at various angles, allowing the canopy to adapt to different orientations (overhead, behind-chair, intermediate positions) while the structure remains relatively simple due to the use of standard hinge mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the canopy structure is rigid and fixed, then the sun protection is stable, but the storage convenience is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The canopy is divided into collapsible segments connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be broken down into compact sections for storage. Each segment can be independently folded, enabling easy storage while maintaining structural integrity when deployed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged segments are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, with front and rear segments folding into a compact configuration that minimizes storage space. The nested structure allows the canopy to be stored in a convenient, space-efficient manner while maintaining full structural stability when set up

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP1906795B1Canopy chair
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 SWIMWAYS CORP
  • EP1906795B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1906795B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1906795B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a frame which attaches to outdoor furniture, in particular to a chair, and a canopy. Embodiments can be moved from an overhead position to a behind the chair position. The frames can be moved from a collapsed to a fully extended position. In embodiments the canopy can be positioned to contain the collapsed frame and chair in the carrying position.