Heated Umbrella with Air Circulation for Cold Weather
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrellas do not provide adequate warmth for users during inclement weather conditions, despite offering protection from rain and snow, as they lack integrated heating mechanisms, with existing solutions being either non-portable or not designed for personal use.
Innovation Solution
A heated umbrella featuring a waterproof concave canopy with integrated heating elements and air vents that direct warm air through hollow spokes, utilizing a telescopic shaft and handle with a built-in heating mechanism and fan to distribute heat evenly around the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional umbrellas are used to provide protection from rain and snow, then users are protected from precipitation, but users do not receive adequate warmth during inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a heating system with a conventional umbrella structure, integrating a heating element, fan, and air intake system into the umbrella handle and canopy. This merging allows the umbrella to provide both precipitation protection and active heating functionality simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple umbrella structure and providing warmth.
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella is transformed from a single-function device (precipitation protection) to a multi-functional device that also provides active heating. The heating system includes air intake channels, heating elements positioned within the canopy, and fans that circulate air, enabling the umbrella to serve dual purposes of weather protection and thermal comfort.
2Temperature
If portable heating devices are added to provide warmth, then users stay warm during inclement weather, but the device becomes less portable and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is designed to provide localized warmth specifically under the umbrella canopy where the user needs protection, rather than requiring a heavy portable heater. The heating elements are positioned strategically within the canopy structure, and fans direct warm air locally to the user area, providing effective heating with minimal added weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for heavy mechanical portable heating devices with an integrated electrical heating system. Instead of using a separate portable heater that would add significant weight, the umbrella incorporates lightweight heating elements and a small fan motor that can be powered by battery or electrical connection, substantially reducing the weight penalty while providing effective warmth.
3Temperature
If heating elements are integrated into the umbrella, then users receive warmth, but the umbrella structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system components are nested within the existing umbrella structure. The heating elements are positioned within the canopy ribs or panels, the fan is housed in the handle or near the canopy center, and air intake channels are integrated into the umbrella framework. This nesting approach allows the heating system to be embedded without significantly altering the external appearance or basic operation of the umbrella.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is designed to operate automatically once activated, with fans that self-regulate air circulation and heating elements that maintain consistent temperature. The system requires minimal user intervention beyond initial activation, and the integrated design allows the umbrella to serve itself by channeling air through existing structural components rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each heating component.
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 heated umbrella effectively keeps users warm and dry during inclement weather, providing a portable, lightweight, and durable solution for outdoor use, ensuring comfort and convenience by circulating warm air throughout the canopy.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element housed within the handle and in fluid communication with the fan
Implementation Method 2
a fan housed within the handle and located upstream of the heating element and in fluid communication with the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A heated umbrella includes a concave canopy. Such a canopy is adapted between folded and unfolded positions respectively, and is formed from waterproof material. The canopy includes a circular and flexible covering and a plurality of linear spokes integrally attached to a lower surface of the covering along respective longitudinal lengths of the spokes. The device further includes a shaft directly connected to a center region of the canopy and a handle integrally attached to the shaft. The device further includes a mechanism for heating ambient air and a mechanism for directing the heated air through the shaft and the canopy respectively.