Modular Shade Canopy Frame for Wind-Stable Portable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shading systems are often ineffective or impractical due to wind instability, rigidity, cumbersome transport, and complex assembly, failing to provide effective shade with a favorable weight-to-shade ratio.
Innovation Solution
A transportable shading system comprising a flexible canopy supported by a frame with end-to-end alignable sections, secured by straps and anchored with a counterweight, allowing easy assembly and wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid canopy is used, then structural strength is improved, but wind resistance deteriorates and the system becomes cumbersome to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible canopy made of thin film material that can bend and deform to accommodate wind forces without rigid structural support. This flexible membrane structure allows the canopy to adapt to environmental conditions while maintaining coverage, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be segmented and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the structure to be compact for transport yet expand to provide adequate structural support when deployed, addressing both the strength requirement and the transportability concern.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple parts and complex assembly steps are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates telescopic sections with adjustable lengths that can be dynamically configured during assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability allows for simplified assembly procedures while maintaining structural stability, as the sections can be quickly extended or reconfigured without complex fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic frame sections are designed to nest within each other when not in use, creating a compact configuration for transport and storage. This nesting principle reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled during assembly, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving structural integrity when deployed.
3Area of stationary object
If a heavy structure is used, then shade coverage area is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The use of flexible thin film for the canopy allows for a large coverage area with minimal material weight. The flexible membrane can span large distances without requiring heavy supporting structures, thus achieving extensive shade coverage while maintaining portability and ease of transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic frame sections provide dynamic adjustability in both length and configuration, allowing the structure to be compact during transport and expand to provide large coverage area when deployed. This dynamic capability enables the system to achieve large shade coverage without the penalty of permanent heavy construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing shade onto a surface is described herein. The system includes a canopy configured for engagement with, and aerial suspension by, a frame. The frame includes a plurality of sections configured for end-to-end alignment from a left end to a right end of the frame. Each section is configured to engage with any adjacent sections to form the frame. The ends of the frame are secured to the surface, thereby aerially suspending the canopy and providing shade to the surface.