Connected Sunshade Platforms for Gap-Free Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parasols lack energy autonomy and fail to provide continuous illumination and comprehensive weather protection, especially in inclement conditions, and they do not effectively cover large areas without gaps, allowing sunlight, rain, hail, or snow to penetrate.
Innovation Solution
A parasol system with integrated energy generation means, such as photovoltaic panels and hydraulic turbines, connected in a network to supply electrical equipment, and mechanical connections for seamless coverage, allowing energy sharing and continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a set of parasols is arranged close to each other to shelter large areas, then the coverage area is increased, but the peripheries are poorly covered due to discontinuities allowing sunlight and rain to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent connects multiple parasols through mechanical connection means (linkages) that physically join the parasol structures together, merging them into a unified system. This eliminates the gaps between individual parasols and creates continuous peripheral coverage, preventing sunlight and rain from penetrating through the discontinuities while maintaining expanded coverage area.
2Illumination intensity
If solar-powered lighting is used in parasols, then illumination is provided in low light conditions, but continuous operation is impossible without sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter by incorporating rechargeable batteries into the parasol system. These batteries store electrical energy generated during sunny periods and provide power during cloudy periods or nighttime, enabling continuous operation of lighting and other electrical equipment regardless of sunlight availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical equipment is added to parasols for additional functionalities, then comfort and functionality are improved, but energy autonomy is compromised without reliable power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the parasol system: the parasol provides traditional shade and rain protection, while also serving as a platform for electrical equipment (lighting, heating, cooling). The system incorporates energy generation (photovoltaic panels), energy storage (batteries), and power distribution (electrical circuits) to enable continuous operation of multiple functionalities while maintaining energy autonomy through self-sufficient power generation and storage.
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
The system provides continuous power to electrical equipment, ensures comprehensive weather protection, and covers larger areas without gaps, enabling seamless movement and energy sharing among connected parasols.
Implementation Method 1
energy generation means, such as photovoltaic panels
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic turbines
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a protection device (1) such as a parasol comprising at least one pole (10) defining a vertical reference axis (A) extending between a lower end portion (11) comprising at least one foot (13) configured to be anchored to the ground and an upper end portion (12) to which at least one sheltering platform (20) is attached, the platform being configured to protect a user located underneath in a deployed position, the protection device (1) comprising power-generating means (31) for generating electrical power to supply at least one electric battery (32), and configured to supply electrical power to at least one item of electrical equipment (33) of the protection device (1), the power-generating means (31), the electric battery (32) and the item of electrical equipment (33) being interconnected in an electrical circuit of the protection device (1), the sheltering platform (20) comprising an edge (21) delimiting a closed contour and comprising: mechanical connection means (210) configured to mechanically and sealingly connect at least one portion of the edge (21) of the sheltering platform (20) to at least one portion of an edge (21') of a sheltering platform (20') of an adjacent protection device (1'); and electrical connection means (211) configured to transfer electrical power between the electrical circuit of the protection device (1) and at least one electrical circuit of the adjacent protection device (1').