Indirect Lighting Assembly for Shade Structure Canopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems for large outdoor umbrellas and shade structures primarily focus on illuminating areas beneath the canopy, failing to enhance the visual appearance of the umbrella or shade structure itself, and lack the ability to direct light onto the interior of the canopy for aesthetic enhancement.
Innovation Solution
An indirect lighting assembly with a movable illumination source mounted on the hub of the umbrella, featuring touch control switching and a dimmer function, utilizing an array of low-voltage LEDs that can be powered by AC or solar energy, and is designed to direct light onto the interior of the canopy, with a horseshoe-shaped configuration for easy installation and interference-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting systems are used to illuminate areas beneath the umbrella canopy, then the lighting function for seating areas is achieved, but the visual appearance of the umbrella itself is not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of illuminating areas beneath the canopy as conventional systems do, this invention inverts the lighting direction to illuminate the interior surface of the canopy itself from within, transforming the canopy into a light-emitting aesthetic feature that enhances the umbrella's visual appearance
2Illumination intensity
If lighting is directed onto the interior of the canopy for aesthetic enhancement, then the visual appearance is improved, but the lighting system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assembly is merged with the existing hub structure of the umbrella, utilizing the hub as the mounting platform for the illumination source and control components. This integration eliminates the need for separate lighting structures and reduces overall system complexity while achieving the aesthetic lighting effect
Solution Approach 2:
The hub structure serves multiple functions: it remains the mechanical center for canopy operation while simultaneously serving as the mounting platform for the lighting assembly, power input, and control components, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated structures
3Ease of operation
If touch control switching is placed within easy reach for convenient operation, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental activation by children becomes a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The touch control member is positioned in the vertical dimension above the user, requiring upward reach to activate. This dimensional change maintains accessibility for adults while creating a natural barrier against accidental activation by children who cannot reach the elevated control position
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 solution provides enhanced visual appeal by illuminating the interior of the umbrella canopy, allowing adjustable brightness, and ensuring safe and convenient operation, while preventing accidental activation by children through overhead placement of the touch control.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination source is oriented to direct lighting upwardly and onto the interior of the canopy
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an array of low-voltage LEDs
Implementation Method 3
can be powered by AC or solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
An indirect lighting assembly for a shade structure including a lighting assembly, preferably in the form of an LED array, mounted on a hub of the shade structure and movable therewith concurrent to opening and closing of a canopy of the shade structure. The illumination source is disposed on an inner end of the hub and oriented to direct illumination outwardly therefrom onto an interior surface of the canopy. A control assembly is operatively connected to the lighting assembly in current regulating relation to LED array and comprises touch control switching operative to regulate current flow thereto. The touch control switching includes a touch control member connected to the hub and movable therewith into an overhead, access restricting position concurrent to disposition of the canopy in an open orientation.