Floating Beverage Center with Adjustable Umbrella Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor beverage centers do not effectively provide a portable and versatile solution for storing beverages and ice while offering shade near swimming pools or other water bodies.
Innovation Solution
A movable and portable beverage center with compartments for storage, a removable umbrella pole mounting system, and a floating bar attachment mechanism, allowing for use near pools, lakes, or rivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable cooler is used to hold beverages and ice, then the beverage storage function is provided, but no shade is provided for individuals in the pool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a beverage cooler with an umbrella structure into a single integrated unit. The cooler body serves as both the beverage storage container and the support base for the umbrella, merging two separate functions (beverage storage and shade provision) into one unified device that addresses multiple needs simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage cooler is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores beverages and ice, provides structural support for the umbrella, and serves as an anchor point for the floating bar. This multi-functional design increases the adaptability and versatility of the device without requiring separate standalone components for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed beverage center is used, then stable beverage storage is provided, but portability and adaptability to different locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage cooler incorporates a floating bar with vertical movement capability that allows the bar to rise and fall with water level changes. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains the stability and usability of the bar feature while adapting to different water conditions and locations, whether in a pool or natural body of water
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components including the main cooler body, removable umbrella, and floating bar assembly. This segmentation allows the user to transport and deploy only the necessary components to different locations, enhancing portability and location flexibility while maintaining the stability of the core cooler function
3Reliability
If water is added to the beverage center for weight, then the beverage center is held down securely, but the device becomes heavier and harder to move
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage cooler uses added water as a counterweight to balance the buoyant forces acting on the floating bar and umbrella components. The water in the cooler's reservoir provides the necessary weight to anchor the device securely in place while the modular design allows this weight to be adjusted or removed if portability is prioritized
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 beverage center effectively stores beverages and ice while providing shade with a removable umbrella, and its floating bar feature accommodates varying water levels, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A beverage center includes a body having an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall, and a liquid cavity between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage center includes a body having an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall, and a liquid cavity between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall. At least one compartment is formed in the body, and a lid is movably attached to and configured to cover each compartment. An umbrella aperture is formed in a central portion of the body and is configured to receive an umbrella pole. A filling aperture and a drain aperture are formed in the body. A tongue is secured to the body and has a first portion configured to be secured to the body and a second portion extending from the first portion and configured to extend vertically with respect to the body. A floating bar has a notch formed therein and is configured to slidably receive the second portion of the tongue such that the floating bar is movable vertically with respect to the body.