Automated Hands-Free Umbrella with Helium Buoyancy and Propeller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrellas do not provide effective protection from various environmental elements like sunrays, rain, snow, and dust while allowing users to move freely, as they require manual operation and do not offer continuous coverage.
Innovation Solution
An automated, hands-free umbrella system that uses helium buoyancy and a motor assembly with a directional propeller to hover over users, equipped with environmental sensors, computer vision for user detection, and a data coordinator system to maintain position and orientation, ensuring continuous protection without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella system performs operations autonomously without requiring manual control. The controller unit receives input from environmental sensors and image data modules, then automatically activates the motor assembly to position and orient the umbrella canopy, enabling the system to serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operation is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and electric motors. The controller unit integrates data from multiple sensors and replaces manual decision-making with automated algorithmic control of the motor assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If the umbrella is stationary, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one capable of movement and repositioning. The motor assembly enables the canopy to move horizontally and vertically, allowing the system to adapt to different positions and orientations while maintaining structural integrity through controlled motion
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system provides multi-functionality by enabling the umbrella to perform both protective coverage and active tracking/movement functions. The same controller unit manages both the structural integrity maintenance and the adaptive repositioning based on environmental conditions
3Extent of automation
If automation is increased, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into an integrated control system. The controller unit combines processing of environmental sensor data, image data from cameras, and motor control functions into a single centralized unit, reducing overall system complexity despite high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The controller unit acts as an intermediary between the sensory input modules and the motor execution assembly. It processes information from multiple sensors and translates it into coordinated motor commands, simplifying the interface between detection and action systems
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 automated umbrella provides reliable and efficient protection from environmental elements, allowing users to move freely while maintaining a constant altitude, being compact for storage, durable, and inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention sustains itself in the air by controlling the umbrella's buoyancy or floatability with an incorporated gas, such as helium
Implementation Method 2
The motor assembly comprises a shaft and a directional propeller
Data Source
AI summary
An automated hands-free umbrella, having a controller unit integration module with a motor assembly. The motor assembly has a shaft and a directional propeller. A power module has a housing. The housing has a gas container module. The gas container module has a container having gas. Further having an umbrella canopy module, a handle assembly, and a data coordinator system module. The automated hands-free umbrella sustains itself in the air by controlling the umbrella's buoyancy or floatability with an incorporated gas, such as helium. Also has means to hover over a user, even as the user is stationary or while moving.