Vented Umbrella Canopy With Layered Wind-Release Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing venting technologies in umbrellas are inadequate in high winds, leading to dislodgment and potential injury or fatality, while maintaining aesthetics is crucial for most use cases.
Innovation Solution
A vented canopy system with a trim, breathable support layer, and layered canopy sections, tethered to prevent flipping, and supported by rods to maintain stability during gusts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional venting technology is used in umbrellas, then heat release is improved, but wind resistance is insufficient leading to dislodgment and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into multiple sections with trim pieces creating separate openings, and a breathable support layer is segmented into multiple layers. This segmentation allows controlled wind passage while maintaining structural integrity and preventing complete canopy failure in high winds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining trim pieces (rigid), breathable support layer (flexible porous material), and canopy fabric. This composite approach provides both heat ventilation and wind resistance, resolving the contradiction between temperature regulation and reliability.
2Reliability
If venting technology is added to umbrellas, then wind resistance is improved, but aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The trim pieces and breathable support layer are positioned at specific locations (edges and intermediate sections) rather than uniformly across the entire canopy. This local modification provides wind resistance functionality while preserving the overall aesthetic appearance of the canopy from most viewing angles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the canopy is made more permeable to wind, then safety is improved, but structural support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A breathable support layer made of porous or mesh material is used instead of solid fabric. This porous material allows wind to pass through, reducing the risk of the umbrella being carried away, while still providing sufficient structural support to maintain canopy shape and function.
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
Effectively prevents umbrella flight in strong winds, ensuring safety without compromising aesthetics, while being cost-effective and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
A breathable support layer covers the opening, allowing air to pass through while still providing support
Implementation Method 2
The outside edge has a tether (like a string) that allows it to flip up in the wind but prevents it from flipping all the way over
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a vented canopy system to keep umbrellas from flying away and becoming a safety hazard in strong winds. The system includes a trim that attaches to the umbrella support structure's outer edge, leaving an opening in the middle. A breathable support layer covers this opening, allowing air to pass through while still providing support. The umbrella may have several layered canopy sections disposed on top of the breathable support layer. Each section covers part of the open space in the middle, with upper sections overlapping lower sections. The inside edge of each section is attached to the umbrella frame, and the outside edge has a tether (like a string) that allows it to flip up in the wind but prevents it from flipping all the way over. This way, it flips back down when the wind stops.