Flexible Fill Container for Stabilizing Free-Standing Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional free-standing umbrella bases often fail to provide sufficient weight to prevent tipping during heavy winds, as the existing weighted bases are insufficient in counteracting tipping forces.
Innovation Solution
A weight system comprising a flexible fabric container with a closure system that allows fill material to be easily added or removed, providing supplemental weight to the umbrella base to stabilize free-standing objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy material base is used to prevent tipping, then stability is improved, but cost and shipping weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into two separate components: a lightweight structural base and a separate fill material component. This segmentation allows the structural base to be shipped empty and lightweight, while the fill material can be added separately at the destination to provide the necessary weight for stability, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and shipping weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible container serves as an intermediary between the structural base and the fill material. The container holds the fill material and can be attached to or integrated with the structural base, allowing the weight to be added without increasing the shipping weight of the base structure itself.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hollow base filled with sand or water is used, then stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base system is segmented into a structural base component and a separate fill material component. The structural base can be manufactured as a simple hollow container without complex internal structures, while the fill material is provided separately. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing of the base while still achieving stability through the added fill material.
Solution Approach 2:
The base utilizes a flexible container or hollow structural element that can be easily manufactured. The flexibility of the material allows for simple manufacturing processes while the container can be filled with appropriate materials to provide the necessary weight and stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional weighted material is placed on the base, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is segmented into separate functional components: the structural base and the fill material. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing the necessary stability, avoiding the complexity of integrating weight directly into the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight provision function is extracted from the structural base and placed into a separate fill material component. This extraction allows the base structure to remain simple while the stability function is achieved through the separately provided fill material that can be added as needed.
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 weight system effectively enhances the stability of free-standing objects by providing additional weight, preventing tipping even in windy conditions, while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
The weight of the base is intended to act on the pole through the stem to prevent tipping of the umbrella during normal use
Data Source
AI summary
A weight system for containing fill material for supporting a free-standing object, comprising a container defining an interior chamber adapted to contain the fill material and a closure system. The closure system is arranged to allow the container to be configured in a closed configuration and an open configuration. Fill material is arranged within the interior chamber when the container is in the open configuration.