Retractable Portable Accessory Stand for Storage and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable accessories, such as lights and audiovisual components, lack a suitable stand for storage and charging when separated from umbrellas, limiting their usability and enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
A free-standing accessory stand with a ground support, enclosure, and retractable accessory support that includes a mounting space for portable accessories, providing both storage and charging capabilities, and can be configured to minimize space when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable accessories are separated from umbrellas for storage, then portability and flexibility are improved, but lack of storage and charging infrastructure reduces usability
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory stand is divided into separate functional modules: a ground support portion with feet for stability, an enclosure housing electrical components and battery, and a retractable accessory support for mounting. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory stand serves as an intermediary device between the portable accessory and the umbrella pole. It provides the missing storage and charging infrastructure that bridges the gap when accessories are separated from umbrellas, enabling standalone use while maintaining connection capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a stand structure is provided for storage, then storage capability is improved, but space occupation increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory support is designed to be retractable rather than fixed. It can be extended when needed to provide mounting capability and retracted when not in use to minimize space occupation. This dynamic design allows the stand to adapt its footprint based on functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory support nests within or alongside the enclosure when retracted, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting arrangement allows the support mechanism to be stored compactly within the overall stand structure, minimizing the space occupied when mounting functionality is not required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are integrated into portable accessories, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory stand is designed to perform multiple functions: providing stable ground support through its feet, housing electrical components and battery for power management, offering retractable mounting support for accessories, and enabling both standalone and umbrella-integrated operation. This multi-functionality consolidates various capabilities into a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand combines previously separate functions into one integrated structure: the ground support portion merges stability functions, the enclosure merges power storage and component housing, and the retractable support merges mounting capabilities. This merging reduces the number of separate devices needed while managing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A free-standing accessory stand that includes a ground support portion and an enclosure is provided. The enclosure is disposed about a central axis of the accessory stand. The upper surface faces away from the ground support. The accessory stand includes a retractable accessory support that has an outer surface projecting away from the enclosure in a first configuration. A mounting space is provided along the outer surface of the retractable accessory support above the upper surface of the enclosure. The outer surface is retracted in a second configuration.