Flexible Slat Parasol Wind Resistance Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parasols face significant wind resistance due to their large protective fabric surface, leading to instability and risk of overturning in strong winds, and existing solutions using helical springs either fail to effectively manage wind forces or result in rapid degradation.
Innovation Solution
The parasol design features a flexible slat with elastic deformation capability connected to the fabric at the distal part of each rib, allowing the canvas to rise and reduce wind resistance when wind is present, and return to its original position when wind subsides, supported by double ribs with a fixed and mobile structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If helical springs are used to reduce wind resistance by allowing distal segments to rise, then wind resistance is reduced, but the springs degrade rapidly due to repeated bending and movement away from their optimal axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the rib structure by introducing flexible slats with specific elastic properties. These slats are designed with controlled flexibility to bend under wind load while maintaining structural integrity, unlike the helical springs that moved away from their optimal axis. The slats' elastic deformation capability allows them to absorb wind energy without degrading rapidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple flexible slats distributed along the rib structure rather than relying on a few critical springs. This redundancy means that if individual slats wear or deform, the overall system maintains functionality. The slats are designed to be replaceable and cost-effective, addressing the durability issue through quantity and replaceability rather than individual component longevity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If very powerful springs are used to resist wind force, then wind resistance is reduced, but the parasol becomes inoperative for average winds and risks falling or flying away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic rib structure where flexible slats can continuously adjust their configuration in response to varying wind conditions. The slats bend progressively under increasing wind load, allowing the parasol to adapt to different wind intensities from light breezes to strong gusts. This dynamic response replaces the static spring system that could only provide fixed resistance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible slats are designed with specific elastic properties that allow them to change their structural parameters (bending angle, deformation amount) based on wind force intensity. This parameter change enables the parasol to maintain functionality across a wide range of wind conditions, from normal operation in light winds to survival in strong winds, unlike powerful springs that would prevent normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more flexible springs are used to respond to light winds, then adaptability to varying wind intensities is improved, but the entire distal segment rises in one block at the slightest breeze and the springs remain vulnerable to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rib structure into multiple segments with flexible slats positioned at different locations along each rib. This segmentation allows different parts of the parasol to respond independently to wind forces, preventing the entire distal segment from rising as one rigid block. The segmented structure maintains better overall stability while still adapting to wind conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible slats are designed to bend and deform before the parasol structure experiences catastrophic failure or impact with the ground. This beforehand cushioning effect absorbs impact energy during falls, protecting the overall structure. The slats' elastic properties allow them to act as shock absorbers, cushioning the impact before it reaches critical structural components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the canvas is fixed to the top of the parasol and the end of the whales, then structural stability is maintained, but the same canvas surface is offered to the wind with different shapes, only moderately reducing wind resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic canvas support system where the flexible slats allow the canvas to change its shape and orientation in response to wind forces. Instead of maintaining a fixed configuration, the canvas can billow and reconfigure, presenting a smaller effective surface area to the wind. This dynamic behavior significantly reduces wind resistance while maintaining structural stability through the flexible slat support mechanism.
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
This design significantly reduces wind resistance by over 50% and enhances stability, as the flexible slats absorb wind force without degrading quickly, ensuring the parasol remains secure across varying wind intensities.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible slat endowed with a capacity for elastic deformation in the vertical plane and connected to the fabric, at least in its distal part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device for reducing the wind resistance of the protective fabric, particularly of a parasol of the type mainly including a pole (1), a protective fabric (6) attached to the top of said pole, and a supporting frame generally including a plurality of stiff ribs (2) connected, via one end thereof and by means of a hinge (3), to the top portion of the pole, each rib being connected, by means of a connecting rod or brace (4) and hinges, to a socket or annular block (5) slideably mounted along said pole to enable the deployment of the fabric or the closing thereof along the latter, and characterized in that the fabric (6) freely rests on the ribs (2), at least on the distal portion (2b) of the latter, and in that a flexible slat (7) capable of elastic deformation in the vertical plane and connected to the fabric (6), at least in the distal portion thereof, is placed on the top side of each rib (2), in the vertical plane and along the latter, said flexible slats (7) being attached to the ribs (2) at a point remote from the distal end (2b') of the latter.