Collapsible Seat Awning Frame for Wind-Stable Bleacher Shade
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable canopy devices for outdoor seating, such as bleachers and benches, are structurally unstable in high winds and have complex designs that make them difficult to use and transport.
Innovation Solution
A portable seat awning with adjustable and collapsible frame structures and a flexible cover that can be easily attached to various seating types, including bleachers and lawn chairs, using telescoping and pivotally coupled components for stability and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an umbrella shelter design with multiple moving parts is used, then some protection from the elements is provided, but the device becomes complicated and difficult to use and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The awning is divided into modular components including a frame structure with multiple segments, a separately storable cover, and detachable seat engaging structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy assembly, disassembly, and transport without requiring numerous moving parts in a single integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure incorporates collapsible and adjustable elements that allow the awning to transition between deployed and stored configurations. The seat engaging structures can be selectively attached and detached, providing adaptability without permanent complex mechanisms.
2Illumination intensity
If a traditional umbrella structure is used, then some shade is provided, but the structure becomes unstable in high winds
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is constructed from multiple interconnected segments that distribute wind loads across the entire structure rather than concentrating forces at single pivot points. This segmented approach enhances structural integrity and wind resistance compared to traditional umbrella designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The awning cover is designed as a flexible fabric structure that can adapt to wind forces without rigid resistance, reducing the risk of structural failure while maintaining shade coverage. The flexible material allows controlled movement in high winds rather than creating rigid leverage points.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed design is used for seat engagement, then attachment to one type of seat is secure, but adaptability to various seat depths and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat engaging structures are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can secure to various seat types including bleachers, benches, and lawn chairs. The telescoping and adjustable components accommodate different seat depths and configurations while maintaining secure attachment through standardized engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat engaging structures incorporate adjustable and telescoping elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different seat geometries. These components can be extended or repositioned to match various seat depths and configurations, providing both security and versatility.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a non-collapsible frame is used, then structural stability is maintained, but ease of transport and storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates collapsible segments connected through articulated joints that allow the rigid frame to be folded into a compact configuration for transport and storage. When deployed, the same joints provide stable structural support, combining the benefits of rigidity and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible frame segments are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, maximizing compactness for storage and transport while maintaining full structural dimensions when deployed. This nesting arrangement allows the stable frame to be condensed without permanent deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel portable bleacher/bench awning includes a first seat engaging structure, a second seat engaging structure, a first frame structure, a second frame structure, and a flexible cover The first and second seat engaging structures are adapted to engage a bleacher/bench type seat. Optionally, the portable awning is collapsible. In another particular embodiment, the portable awning is adapted to be mounted to a chair via a bag that is also used to transport the portable awning.