Modular Umbrella System for Marine Vessel Adaptive Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sun shading devices on marine vessels are not flexible enough to adapt to changing orientations and directions of watercraft, failing to provide consistent shade as conditions shift.
Innovation Solution
A modular umbrella system with directional measuring devices, motors, and a wireless communication hub that allows for automated adjustment and control via a mobile computing device, incorporating AI and IoT capabilities to dynamically position and orient the shading system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sun shading devices are used on marine vessels, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot adapt to changing orientations and directions of watercraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shading system movable and adjustable through motorized mechanisms that enable real-time repositioning of umbrella canopies and support structures, allowing the system to dynamically track vessel orientation changes and maintain optimal shading positions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional shading system that combines structural support, automated positioning, sensor integration, and wireless communication capabilities within a single integrated platform that can serve various shading needs across different vessel types and operating conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated motors and directional measuring devices are added to enable adaptive shading, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by integrating directional measuring devices and sensors that continuously monitor vessel orientation and environmental conditions, feeding this data to control systems that automatically adjust motor positions to maintain optimal shading alignment without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediaries by introducing control circuits, wireless communication hubs, and processing units that mediate between sensor inputs and motor actuators, enabling automated decision-making and reducing the complexity burden on the mechanical system through intelligent coordination
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication hub and mobile device control are implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the shading system to autonomously monitor its own state through integrated sensors, automatically adjust positioning based on environmental feedback, and manage its own operation through embedded control logic, reducing the need for manual user intervention while maintaining system simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communications device includes a wireless communication transceiver to communicate commands or messages and to receive commands, measurements or messages, one or more memory devices, one or more processors, computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices, accessed from the one or more memory devices and executable by the one or more processors to cause the mobile device to communicate, via the wireless communication transceiver, commands, messages or instructions to a first umbrella to control some operations of the first umbrella and communicate, via the wireless communication transceiver, commands, messages or instructions to a second umbrella to control some operations of the second umbrella. The wireless transceiver may communicate utilizing a personal area network (PAN) communications protocol, a wireless local area network communications protocol or a cellular communications protocol.