Movable Shade Structure Base With Lift-Off Wheels and Braked Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large umbrellas and shade structures are difficult to move without wheeled bases due to their weight and shape, and wheeled bases can lead to unwanted movement, especially under wind forces.
Innovation Solution
A movable base with a first frame and a second frame that includes wheels, where the second frame can be actuated to lift off the ground, using a screw actuator to transition between a braked and movable configuration, and a lever arm to control the position of the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wheeled movable bases are used to support large umbrellas, then the umbrellas become easier to move, but the umbrellas become vulnerable to unwanted movement from wind and other forces
Solution Approach 1:
The base system dynamically switches between two configurations: a movable configuration where wheels contact the ground for easy relocation, and a braked configuration where feet contact the ground to prevent unwanted movement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its behavior based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between ease of movement and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the contact parameters with the ground by switching between wheel contact (for movement) and foot contact (for stability). The actuator controls the transition between these parameter states, allowing the base to optimize its interaction with the ground surface according to whether movement or stability is the current priority.
2Reliability
If the base is designed to be fixed in position, then stability is improved, but the ability to relocate the umbrella is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base system dynamically switches between two configurations: a movable configuration where wheels contact the ground for easy relocation, and a braked configuration where feet contact the ground to prevent unwanted movement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its behavior based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between ease of movement and position stability.
3Ease of operation
If a screw actuator is used to control the braked configuration, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical or electronic actuation systems with a simple mechanical screw actuator. The screw mechanism converts rotational motion into linear motion to raise or lower the feet, providing precise control through manual operation. This mechanical substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining control precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The base effectively stabilizes the umbrella by lifting the wheels off the ground, reducing unwanted movement and providing a braking effect, ensuring the umbrella remains in a fixed position.
Implementation Method 1
A screw actuator couples between the second frame and the first frame to transition the movable base between a braked configuration with the second frame contacting the ground and a movable configuration with the second frame lifted above the ground
Implementation Method 2
a lever arm that is coupled at one end with a screw of the screw actuator. Rotation of the screw in a first direction can actuate the lever to move the movable base into the braked configuration
Implementation Method 3
a first frame that includes a set of wheels, such as caster wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A movable base for a shade structure such as an umbrella that is operable between a movable configuration and a braked configuration. The movable base includes a first frame, including a plurality of wheels, such as caster wheels, and a second, e.g., movable, frame that is actuatable relative to the first frame and wheels. In the movable position, a plurality of feed are raised and the wheels are in contact with a ground surface. In the fixed position, the feet of the second frame are in contact with the ground and/or the wheels are raised.