Detachable Solar Functional Module for Umbrella Canopy Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor umbrellas with integrated solar energy systems face issues such as insecure canopy attachment, reliance on a rigid umbrella pole, complex electrical configurations, and limited design flexibility, making them difficult to fold, replace batteries, and integrate with standard or cantilever umbrellas.
Innovation Solution
A functional module is designed to be detachably coupled to the umbrella frame, allowing secure awning retention, incorporating a solar module that collects and converts solar energy into electrical energy, and includes a rechargeable battery for powering appliances, with a simple attachment mechanism that doesn't compromise the umbrella's folding mechanism or require complex installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the solar energy system is integrated with the umbrella pole, then the umbrella can collect solar energy, but the canopy cannot be securely attached when the solar energy system is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the functional components into separate modules: the solar energy system is integrated into a functional module that is detachably coupled to the umbrella frame, while the canopy attachment mechanism is integrated into the umbrella frame itself. This segmentation ensures that canopy attachment security is independent of the solar energy system's presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar energy system is extracted from the core umbrella structure and placed in a detachable functional module. This allows the solar energy collection function to be added or removed without affecting the fundamental canopy attachment and support mechanisms of the umbrella.
2Device complexity
If the umbrella pole serves as the main support for all components, then the structure is simplified, but the pole must be rigid and cannot be easily replaced if broken
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the support structure into a permanent umbrella frame and a detachable functional module. The umbrella frame provides the main structural support, while the functional module containing the solar energy system and battery can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy components (solar energy system, battery, electrical appliances) are extracted from the umbrella pole and relocated to a detachable functional module. This reduces the load on the umbrella frame and allows easy replacement of the functional module without replacing the entire pole or frame structure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the rechargeable battery is integrated into the umbrella pole, then power is available, but the battery cannot be replaced when malfunctioned and the wiring configuration is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power system is segmented into a detachable functional module that contains the battery, solar energy system, and electrical appliances. This module can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the umbrella frame or other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery and associated electrical components are extracted from the umbrella pole and relocated to a detachable functional module. This simplifies the wiring configuration by consolidating all electrical connections within the module, and enables easy battery replacement by simply detaching and reattaching the functional module.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the solar energy system is integrated with the standard pole umbrella, then the design is limited to specific umbrella types
Solution Approach 1:
The functional module is designed with a universal detachable coupling mechanism that can be adapted to different umbrella frame types (standard pole umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas, etc.). This allows the solar energy system to be integrated with various umbrella designs without requiring complex custom integration for each type.
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 solution provides a secure, environmentally-friendly, and economical power source for electronic appliances, allowing solar energy collection during the day and energy delivery at night without intentional charging, while maintaining the umbrella's original structure and operation, and supporting various umbrella types without altering their design.
Implementation Method 1
the functional module serves as a solar module for collecting solar energy and for converting the solar energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella includes a supporting frame, an umbrella frame supported by the supporting frame, an umbrella awning, and a functional module. The umbrella includes a guiding arm, an upper hub securely coupled at a top end of the guiding arm, a plurality of awning arms radially and pivotally extended from the upper hub, and an awning cap detachably coupled on the upper hub. The umbrella awning is supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the umbrella awning, wherein a center portion of the umbrella awning is securely sandwiched between the upper hub and the awning cap to retain the umbrella awning in position. The functional module is detachably coupled on the awning cap for providing an additional function of the umbrella.