Portable umbrella stand and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrella stands lack stability on uneven ground and fail to withstand heavy weather conditions, particularly in sandy, muddy, or grassy surfaces, and are difficult to move.
Innovation Solution
A circular steel base with six round spikes provides equal force distribution, allowing the umbrella stand to be securely anchored on various surfaces, including uneven ground, and can be easily moved due to its lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single spiral spike is used to anchor the umbrella stand, then it can be inserted into soft surfaces like sand, but it lacks stability on uneven ground and in heavy weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The single spiral spike is divided into multiple individual spikes (typically three or more) arranged radially around the base. Each spike can independently penetrate the ground at different angles, providing distributed anchoring that adapts to uneven surfaces while collectively delivering superior stability against wind and weather forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring mechanism transitions from a single-point insertion (one spiral spike) to a multi-point radial distribution (multiple spikes around the base). This dimensional change from one-dimensional insertion to three-dimensional radial arrangement allows the stand to engage with the ground from multiple directions simultaneously, improving both adaptability to surface variations and resistance to multidirectional weather forces.
2Reliability
If a heavy base is used to provide stability on uneven ground, then the umbrella stand can withstand heavy weather conditions, but it becomes difficult to move from location to location
Solution Approach 1:
The base design incorporates dynamic characteristics by using multiple removable spikes that can be inserted or removed as needed. When spikes are inserted, the base becomes stable and anchored; when removed, the base becomes portable and easy to relocate. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between stability and mobility modes based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring spikes are designed as separate, removable components that can be extracted from the base. This extraction principle allows the heavy stabilizing elements to be taken out when mobility is needed, and inserted when stability is required, effectively decoupling the stability function from the base structure itself and making the overall system easier to move when not in use.
3Reliability
If multiple spikes are used to increase stability, then the umbrella stand can be secured on various surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spikes and the base structure are merged into a single integrated unit that functions as one cohesive anchoring system. The spikes are positioned and configured within the base as a unified assembly, allowing the entire structure to be moved, installed, and removed as a single piece rather than requiring separate assembly of multiple independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is designed with localized spike positions and orientations optimized for specific ground conditions. Each spike is positioned at a specific location and angle within the base to target particular soil types or surface conditions, providing specialized anchoring quality at each contact point while maintaining overall system simplicity through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular holder with a circular base, a central column, spokes attached to the central columns and ground spikes attached to spokes or bottom of the circular base. In some variations the spokes have orifices for engaging a cup with a cup spike.