Shading Assembly With Bungee Poles and Three-Point Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metal-framed tents and shades are bulky, heavy, prone to corrosion, and unable to withstand high winds due to their design limitations.

Innovation Solution

A shading assembly featuring a three-point connector locking system with bungee sections and adjustable poles, secured by cords and sandbags, which allows the structure to be wind-driven to create a shaded area, and an optional two-point connector locking system for additional stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional metal-framed tents and shades are used, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and corrosion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to fiberglass, which fundamentally alters the weight-to-strength ratio. Fiberglass poles provide sufficient structural strength for shade structures while being significantly lighter than metal frames, directly resolving the contradiction between structural strength and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining fiberglass poles with fabric panels and bungee cord systems. This composite approach creates a lightweight overall structure that maintains adequate strength through the combination of materials rather than relying on heavy metal framing alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If conventional metal-framed tents and shades are used, then structural strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from metal to fiberglass, which fundamentally alters the corrosion resistance property. Fiberglass is inherently resistant to corrosion from moisture, salt, and environmental exposure, eliminating the corrosion issues that plague metal-framed structures while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional rigid structures are used, then stability is improved, but adaptability to wind conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidwind resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid fixed structures with dynamic adjustable components. The shade panels can be repositioned along the fiberglass poles, and the bungee cord system allows the structure to flex and adapt to wind loads. This dynamic design maintains stability while providing adaptability to varying wind conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the shade structure into segmented components: individual fabric panels, separate pole sections, and modular connection points. This segmentation allows each component to move independently in response to wind, preventing the rigid failure mode of traditional structures while maintaining overall stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Weight of moving object

If lightweight materials are used, then weight is reduced, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and wind-resistant shading solution that effectively creates a shaded area, addressing the bulkiness and stability issues of conventional tents and shades.

Implementation Method 1

A first horizontal pole fits inside the three-point connector pole. The first horizontal pole further comprises a first horizontal pole first section joined a first horizontal pole second section with a first horizontal pole bungee section.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11686120B1Shading assembly

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 YATES GARY LEE

AI summary

A shading assembly is configured to provide a shaded area to a user. The shading assembly has a three-point connector locking system with a lower bracket having a first cord opening, a second cord opening, and a pin opening. A first horizontal pole is fit inside the three-point connector pole having a first horizontal pole first section joined a first horizontal pole second section with a first horizontal pole bungee section. A vertical pole is fit inside the three-point connector and having a first vertical pole section joined to a second vertical pole section with a vertical pole bungee. A shade having a first shade pocket arranged around the first horizontal pole and a second shade pocket arranged around the second horizontal pole. Wind blows the shade away from the shade pocket creating a shaded area for the user.