Intelligent Umbrella with Integrated Computing and Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sun shading devices are inflexible, require manual operation, and lack automated features to adapt to environmental changes or user preferences, failing to communicate with external systems and integrate software control.
Innovation Solution
Development of an intelligent shading system with a computing device integrated into the shading object or umbrella, enabling automated movement and adjustment based on environmental conditions, user input, and communication with external systems through a network of sensors and motors for remote control and energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sun shading devices use a unitary frame structure, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot be opened or deployed in many situations and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is divided into multiple separable components including a base assembly, a stem assembly, and an upper assembly that can be deployed independently. This segmentation allows the shading device to be opened and positioned in various configurations rather than requiring a single unitary structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static unitary structure to a dynamic deployable structure with movable joints and articulation points. The stem assembly can rotate relative to the base, and the upper assembly can articulate relative to the stem, enabling the device to adapt to different spatial requirements and environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional sun shading devices require manual operation, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation is reduced and automated adaptation to environmental conditions is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The shading device incorporates sensors that automatically detect environmental conditions such as sunlight intensity and weather parameters, and the control system autonomously adjusts the shade position and angle without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by making real-time adjustments based on sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
Environmental sensors continuously monitor conditions and provide feedback to the control system, which then automatically adjusts the motorized components to optimize shading performance. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automated adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
3Extent of automation
If conventional sun shading devices lack software control, then the device complexity is low, but the extent of automation is limited and integration with external systems is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions including environmental monitoring, automated shade adjustment, wireless communication capabilities, and energy management into a single software platform. This multi-functional software enables the device to perform various automated tasks and communicate with external systems such as mobile devices and building management systems.
4Loss of information
If conventional sun shading devices do not communicate with external systems, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information is high and user interaction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the physical shading device and external digital systems, translating sensor data into actionable commands and enabling wireless communication with user devices. This intermediary layer allows information exchange without requiring direct physical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent umbrella includes a wireless communication transceiver to receive commands or messages from a mobile computing device and an integrated computing device, the integrated computing device including one or more memory devices, one or more processors and computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices. The computer-readable instructions are executable by the one or more processors to receive the commands or messages, via the wireless communication transceiver from the mobile computing device and to generate instructions, signals, commands and/or messages, based, at least in part on the received commands or messages from the mobile computing device. The computer-readable instructions are executable by the one or more processors to communicate the generated instructions, signals, commands or messages to one or more assemblies of the intelligent umbrella to cause the one or more assemblies of the intelligent umbrella to move in a specified manner.