Portable multi-functional umbrella stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
People face challenges in effectively regulating their exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while outdoors, as existing solutions like umbrellas are not adaptable to changing sun positions and often occupy valuable space, and not all outdoor settings allow for fixed furniture with built-in shading.
Innovation Solution
A modular and adjustable umbrella stand made from various materials, featuring a telescoping mechanism, swivel and locking system, and interchangeable components for different environments, which can hold umbrellas of various shapes and sizes, and includes storage options and a tightening mechanism to secure the umbrella, allowing for adjustable angles and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed furniture with built-in shading is used, then UV protection is provided, but portability and adaptability to different environments are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella stand is divided into separate modular components including a base portion, holder portion, and interchangeable attachments (suction cups, ground spikes, table clips). This segmentation allows the same basic structure to be adapted to different environments by simply changing the attachment type, providing both UV protection through umbrella support and versatility across indoor/outdoor settings without requiring fixed furniture installation
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella stand is designed as a multi-functional device that can serve multiple purposes: holding umbrellas for UV shade, storing personal items in the storage compartment, and adapting to various surfaces through interchangeable attachments. The base portion and holder portion remain consistent while the attachments change based on the environment, making the device universally applicable across different settings while maintaining its UV protection function
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional umbrella stands are used, then space is occupied for storage, but portability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella stand incorporates a storage compartment that is nested within the base portion structure. The storage compartment fits inside the hollow base, utilizing the internal volume of the base rather than requiring additional external space. This nesting approach provides storage capacity for personal items while maintaining a compact, portable form factor that can be easily moved between locations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If umbrellas are used for shading, then UV protection is provided, but adaptability to changing sun positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella stand incorporates a swivel mechanism in the holder portion that allows the umbrella to be rotated and adjusted to different angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables users to easily reposition the umbrella to follow the sun's movement throughout the day, maintaining effective UV protection without requiring the entire stand to be moved or repositioned
4Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping mechanisms are added for adjustability, then adaptability to different umbrella sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism is segmented into discrete, modular components including telescoping poles with standardized connection points. Each segment can be independently adjusted or replaced, and the same telescoping mechanism design can be replicated across multiple attachments (suction cups, ground spikes, table clips). This modular segmentation makes the adjustment mechanism easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain while providing adaptability to different umbrella sizes and types
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here is an umbrella stand capable of securely holding umbrellas of various sizes, shapes, and weights. The umbrella stand includes a base and a holder portion. The base includes mechanisms to secure the umbrella stand to a surface such as ground spikes or suction cups. The holder portion is connected to the base via abutments that protrude up from the periphery of the base. The holder portion and the base are separated by a gap. The holder portion includes tightening mechanisms and a door. The tightening mechanisms help securely hold an umbrella handle or shaft and can adjust the angle at which the umbrella is held. The door, in combination with the gap, allow a user to use the umbrella stand with umbrellas with handles of various shapes and sizes.