Intelligent Umbrella with Solar Tracking and Wireless 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 comprising a shading object with automated motorized components, integrated computing devices, and cameras, enabling remote control, solar power, and environmental sensing to adjust and track the sun, communicate with external systems, and provide user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sun shading devices use manual operation to adjust inclination angle, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates and adaptability to environmental changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static, manually-adjusted shading device into a dynamic system with motorized components that automatically adjust the inclination angle and track the sun's movement. The motor assembly and control system enable continuous adaptation to changing environmental conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The shading system implements self-service through automated sun-tracking capabilities and environmental sensing. The control system autonomously determines optimal shading positions based on sun location and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sun shading devices use a single unitary frame, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different deployment situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the unitary frame into separate, modular components including a base assembly, stem assembly, and canopy assembly. This modular structure enables flexible deployment in various situations while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frame design achieves universality by creating components that can be assembled and configured for different deployment scenarios. The standardized connection mechanisms allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions and adapt to various installation environments.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sun shading devices lack integrated computing devices and cameras, then device complexity is minimized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of remote control capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating computing devices, cameras, and control systems directly into the shading structure. This consolidation enables remote control and monitoring capabilities while managing system complexity through integrated architecture rather than separate distributed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the physical shading components and remote users or external systems. This mediator layer enables ease of operation through remote interfaces while managing the complexity of system integration through standardized communication protocols and control logic.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sun shading devices lack automated sun-tracking assemblies, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to sun movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sun-tracking assembly applies dynamics by enabling continuous movement and adjustment of the shading canopy to follow the sun's path across the sky. The motorized mechanisms and control systems dynamically adapt the shading position throughout the day to maintain optimal shading effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sun-tracking system implements feedback through sensors that detect sun position and environmental conditions, with the control system using this information to automatically adjust the shading angle and orientation. This closed-loop control enables adaptive tracking without manual intervention.
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 intelligent shading system provides adaptive and automated shade adjustment, energy harvesting, and enhanced user interaction, improving comfort and efficiency while integrating with external systems for enhanced functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar panels integrated into the arms and/or blades to convert solar energy to solar power
Implementation Method 2
a motor assembly integrated into the base assembly to rotate the shading object about a vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent umbrella includes an array of solar panels/cells for capturing sunlight and converting into electrical energy, a solar panel charging assembly to receive power from one or more solar assemblies, a rechargeable battery to receive power generated from the solar panel charging assembly, and a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory to receive power from the rechargeable battery; and a wireless transceiver to receive power from the rechargeable battery, the wireless transceiver to communicate messages and/or signals when no external power source is connected to and/or available for the intelligent umbrella. The intelligent umbrella may further comprise a cellular transceiver to receive power from the rechargeable battery, the cellular transceiver to communicate messages and/or signals when no external power source is connected to and/or available to supply power for the intelligent umbrella.