Folding Chair Canopy Frame for Wind-Resistant Shade Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor furniture canopies lack versatility in positioning and ease of use, as they often require disassembly or complex attachment mechanisms, and do not effectively counteract wind or provide uniform shade in overhead positions.
Innovation Solution
A frame and canopy system that can be oriented in overhead, behind, or intermediate positions, using hinged and pivotally attached segments with flexible connectors, allowing for easy folding and storage, and incorporating features like living hinges and tensioners to maintain canopy flatness and prevent wind lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing canopy attachment mechanisms are used, then the canopy can be attached to the chair, but the attachment process becomes complex and requires disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy support system is divided into separate modular components: a canopy assembly with its own support structure and a chair assembly with attachment points. This segmentation allows the canopy to be independently attached and detached without complex integrated mechanisms, improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can attach the canopy to various types of chairs, support the canopy in different positions (overhead, behind, intermediate), and allow for easy detachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex mechanisms for each specific task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the canopy is positioned overhead to provide shade, then uniform shade coverage is achieved, but wind lifting becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed with preliminary anti-wind lifting features that counteract the harmful effect before it occurs. The secure attachment points and structural design preemptively resist wind forces that would otherwise cause canopy lifting, allowing the canopy to maintain its overhead position for uniform shade coverage without suffering from wind lifting problems.
3Shape
If the canopy structure is made rigid to maintain shape, then uniform shade is provided, but folding and storage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy support structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition between rigid and flexible states. During operation, the structure maintains a rigid configuration to provide uniform shade coverage. For storage, the structure can be folded or collapsed into a compact form, enabling easy storage while preserving the ability to maintain shape when deployed.
Data Source
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.