Modular Umbrella Base with Removable Weighted Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrellas are not easily transportable between different outdoor locations and lack adaptability for various environments, such as pools and patio decks, requiring repositioning due to changing sun positions and lacking suitable bases for securement.
Innovation Solution
A modular umbrella base apparatus with a plate and weighted housings that can be submerged in a pool, featuring apertures for water transport and a collar and support arms for secure attachment of weighted housings, allowing for easy relocation and stability on different surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional poolside umbrellas use weighted bags or containers for securement, then stability is improved, but transportability deteriorates due to additional encumbrance
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is divided into separate components: a plate assembly that remains with the umbrella and removable weighted housings that can be detached for transport. This segmentation allows the weighted components to be separated when mobility is needed, resolving the contradiction between stability during use and transportability during relocation
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where weighted housings can be attached or removed based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables the umbrella to adapt between stable installation mode and portable transport mode
2Reliability
If beach umbrellas use pointed or threaded ends for sand insertion, then securement in sand is improved, but adaptability to other environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plate assembly with collar and support arms creates a universal base structure that can securely accommodate umbrellas in multiple environments including sand, pool bottoms, and hard surfaces like patio decks. This multi-functional design replaces environment-specific securement methods with a single adaptable system
3Adaptability or versatility
If poolside umbrellas are designed for repositioning due to changing sun positions, then shade effectiveness is improved, but ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the weighted housings from the plate assembly, the design enables easy transport when repositioning is needed to follow the sun. The segmented structure allows rapid assembly and disassembly, making the umbrella easy to relocate while maintaining shade effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms (collar, support arms, hooks) that facilitate quick assembly and disassembly. This preliminary preparation of the connection system enables rapid repositioning without complex assembly steps, improving ease of transport for following sun positions
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella base for supporting an umbrella within a pool, poolside, or other outdoor areas. The umbrella base apparatus includes a base assembly having a base tube that can removably receive the umbrella therein. The base assembly includes a plate that can rest on a flat surface, one or more support arms extending from a central area outward from the plate, and a collar that is generally positioned at the central area of the plate. Each support arm interlocks with the collar. One or more weighted housings engage with a support arm and collar for providing mass to the umbrella base apparatus during use. The weighted housings are removable during transport or during submerged use. The plate and support arms have apertures that allow water to pass through during movement through water.