Nestable Umbrella Base with Adjustable Weight via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrella bases are not nestable or stackable, limiting their versatility and weight adjustment capabilities for different environments, and are typically made from heavy materials like cast iron or aluminum, which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A nestable and stackable umbrella base design featuring a body with a central passageway and differently configured upper and lower surfaces that allow for vertical stacking and alignment, enabling the adjustment of weight by combining multiple bases, with a hollow body formed from moldable materials and weighted with materials like sand or concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If conventional umbrella bases are made from single piece cast iron or cast aluminum, then the base has sufficient weight and stability, but the base becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella base is divided into multiple separable components: a hollow body formed from moldable material and removable weighting material (sand or concrete). This segmentation allows users to adjust the weight by adding or removing weighting material, making the base easier to handle while maintaining stability when needed.
2Weight of stationary object
If conventional umbrella bases are made from heavy materials, then the base provides sufficient stability, but the base lacks versatility for different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The base weight is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Users can add or remove weighting material depending on the environment and umbrella size, allowing the same base to adapt to different conditions whether requiring heavy stability or lighter portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight parameter of the base can be changed by adding or removing weighting material. This allows the base to be customized for different applications, from lightweight portable uses to heavy-duty stationary applications.
3Device complexity
If conventional umbrella bases are made as single piece structures, then the base has simple structure, but the base cannot be nested or stacked
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed as a hollow body with an opening that allows it to be nested within another base or have another base nested within it. This segmentation enables stacking and nesting capabilities while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
4Weight of stationary object
If conventional umbrella bases use heavy materials, then the base maintains stability, but the base is not lightweight for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The base weight can be adjusted by changing the amount of weighting material inside the hollow body. For portable applications, users can use minimal weighting material or none at all, while for stationary applications, they can add sufficient weight for stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbrella base includes a body having a central passageway therethrough, an upper surface having a first configuration, a lower surface having a second configuration, and an outer peripherally-extending surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first configuration of the upper surface and the second configuration of the lower surface are correspondingly sized and configured so that when a second umbrella base is vertically stacked on top of and rested on the umbrella base, the first configuration of the upper surface of the umbrella base fits within the second configuration of the lower surface of the second umbrella base, and when the umbrella base is vertically stacked on top of and rested on the second the umbrella base, the first configuration of the upper surface of the second umbrella base fits within portions of the second configuration of the lower surface of the umbrella base.