Modular Shade System With Shared Supports for Varied Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shade systems are limited in their configurability and efficiency, particularly when it comes to providing shade in multiple configurations, such as along fences and over varying terrain like bleachers, often requiring multiple vertical supports and lacking flexibility in attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A multi-configuration shade system comprising a cover with clips for attachment to fences and extendable vertical supports, allowing for modular connections that can be linked laterally or orthogonally, sharing vertical supports between systems to reduce the number needed and accommodate varying terrain heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shade systems use multiple vertical supports for each shade unit, then structural stability is improved, but the quantity of components and complexity of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shade systems by allowing them to share vertical supports. The connector assembly enables lateral connection between shade systems while utilizing common vertical supports, reducing the total number of supports needed while maintaining structural stability through the shared support framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical supports serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for individual shade systems and simultaneously serve as shared supports for multiple connected shade systems. The connector assembly enables this multi-functionality by facilitating lateral connections while maintaining the universal applicability of the vertical support structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If shade systems are designed for fixed configurations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different terrains and configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shade system is divided into modular components: shade assemblies with connector assemblies that can be independently manufactured with high precision, then connected in various configurations. The connector assembly acts as a standardized interface that enables both precise manufacturing of individual units and flexible assembly of multiple units in different arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed to dynamic configurability through the connector assembly, which enables shade systems to be arranged in different patterns (e.g., along fences, over bleachers) while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized connection interfaces.
3Reliability
If multiple vertical supports are used for each shade system, then structural support is improved, but the cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shade systems are merged to share vertical supports, reducing the total number of supports required. The connector assembly facilitates this merging by providing a standardized interface for lateral connections, enabling faster installation while maintaining structural support through the shared support framework.
4Ease of manufacture
If shade systems use fixed attachment methods, then ease of manufacture is improved, but versatility in attachment locations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly serves as a universal attachment interface that can connect to various locations (fences, bleachers, different terrain features) while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized design. The proximal and distal connectors provide versatile attachment capabilities without complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-configuration shade apparatus can include a first shade apparatus and a second shade apparatus. The first shade apparatus includes a 4-sided cover with a proximal side having a first proximal corner and a second proximal corner, a distal side having a third distal corner and a fourth distal corner, the proximal side for connection to a chain link fence and the distal side for connection to vertical supports. The first shade apparatus also includes a first vertical support for linking to the third distal corner and a second vertical support for linking to the fourth distal corner. A first clip is attached to the first proximal corner for selectively connecting the first proximal corner to the chain link fence and a second clip is attached to the second proximal corner for selectively connecting the second proximal corner to the chain link fence.