Flexible Shade Cover Structure With Load-Attenuating Poles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shade-providing systems rely on rigid support structures, limiting flexibility and versatility in providing shade and protection from various weather conditions, and often do not incorporate multifunctional elements like solar panels and LED lighting.

Innovation Solution

A flexible cover system utilizing flexible poles and sails that can be configured to provide shade, protection, and power through integrated solar panels and LED lighting, with anchoring systems that allow for installation in various settings, including portable and permanent configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid support structures are used to provide shade and protection, then structural strength and stability are improved, but flexibility and adaptability in configuration are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidflexibility in configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid support structures with flexible poles made of composite materials that can bend and flex while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible poles allow the shade structure to be configured in various shapes and adapt to different terrains and spatial requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and configurational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters of the support structures by using composite materials with specific flexural properties. This allows the poles to exhibit both strength and flexibility, enabling the structure to maintain stability while adapting to different configurations and loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If traditional shade structures are used without integrated functional elements, then structural simplicity is improved, but functionality and versatility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidfunctionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional elements into the sail structure itself. Solar panels, LED lighting, and shade-providing materials are integrated into a single composite sail that replaces traditional separate components. This consolidation maintains structural simplicity while dramatically enhancing functionality and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sail structure is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides shade, generates electrical power through solar panels, and offers illumination through integrated LED lighting. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible poles are used instead of rigid structures, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but load-bearing capacity and structural stability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidload-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials for the flexible poles that combine the flexibility of polymers with the strength of reinforcing fibers. This composite construction enables the poles to bend and flex for adaptability while simultaneously maintaining sufficient load-bearing capacity and structural stability to support the sail and withstand environmental loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 offers adaptable shading and weather protection across diverse areas, incorporating solar power and lighting, enhancing functionality and versatility while eliminating the need for rigid support structures.

Implementation Method 1

The sail may be further comprised of a solar panel and the solar panel is connected to a battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

The sail may be further comprised of LED lighting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20240151060A1Flexible cover system apparatus and methods of use

Publication Date: 2024.05.09 FLX TECH LLC

AI summary

A system for providing cover or shade to an area that may comprise an anchoring system, a suspension system, and a cover-providing material. The suspension system may be comprised of multiple, flexible poles that provide tension between the anchoring system and the shade-providing material. A system for providing cover or shade can be supported with structural poles that are flexible enough to attenuate the loads applied within the system.