Deck Umbrella Support System Using Nested Mount and Adapter Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella support systems fail to provide sufficient stability in outdoor settings, leading to umbrellas spinning, twisting, tilting, or toppling in wind and rain, causing damage and compromising their purpose of providing shade and cover.
Innovation Solution
A deck umbrella support system comprising a mount assembly with a mount tube and adapter assembly, featuring a locking mechanism that secures the umbrella pole, including a locking protrusion and channel system, adjustable securement fasteners, and reinforcement bars to stabilize the umbrella, ensuring it remains upright and secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional metal umbrella bases with short retention tubes are used, then the base structure is simple and compact, but the umbrella provides insufficient stability and spins or topples in wind and rain
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter tube is inserted into the mount tube, creating a nested configuration where the adapter tube receives the umbrella pole and the mount tube provides additional structural support. This nested arrangement increases stability without requiring a completely separate complex base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is divided into two distinct components: a mount tube that attaches to the deck and an adapter tube that receives the umbrella pole. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If large bulky water-filled or sand-filled bases are used, then the base provides greater weight and stability, but the base occupies excessive deck space and becomes a trip hazard when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter tube nests within the mount tube, allowing the stable support structure to be achieved without increasing the external footprint. The nested configuration provides the stability of a larger base while maintaining a compact overall size that doesn't occupy excessive deck space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing stability through horizontal expansion (larger footprint), the invention achieves stability through vertical arrangement and internal structural configuration. The nested tubes create a vertically-oriented stable structure that maintains a small horizontal footprint.
3Stability of the object's composition
If large multi-member outdoor umbrella supports with cross or H-shaped structures are used, then the umbrella provides enhanced stability, but the support structure requires considerable space, has complex design and operation, and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the mounting function and the pole reception function into a single integrated assembly. The mount tube and adapter tube work together as a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate complex support members, cross-bars, and multiple attachment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter tube serves multiple functions: it receives the umbrella pole, provides structural support, and interfaces with the mount tube. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional set screw fastening systems are used, then the base structure is simple, but the umbrella pole is not securely retained and allows spinning, twisting, or tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses an asymmetric locking protrusion on the mount tube that engages with a corresponding asymmetric locking channel on the adapter tube. This asymmetric configuration prevents rotational movement and provides secure retention without requiring complex symmetric fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion and locking channel act as intermediary elements between the mount tube and adapter tube, providing a positive mechanical lock that prevents spinning and twisting. This intermediary locking mechanism is simpler than traditional set screw systems while providing superior pole retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A deck umbrella support system securely retains an umbrella attached to an umbrella pole on a deck, wherein the deck has a receiving aperture formed through a surface thereof. The deck umbrella support system may include a mount assembly having a mount tube with a mount plate attached to it. The mount tube has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end includes a mount aperture formed through it. An adapter assembly, which is at least partially hollow, includes an adapter tube which is designed and configured to receive at least a portion of the umbrella pole therein and to be inserted into the mount tube via the mount aperture. A locking assembly is disposed proximate to the lower end of the mount tube to secure the adapter tube in the mount tube.