Submergible umbrella stand

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing submergible umbrella stands lack stability in windy conditions and do not provide a suitable reservoir for ice, which limits their functionality in providing shade and keeping drinks cool in swimming pools.

Innovation Solution

A submergible umbrella stand design featuring a body cavity filled with water to prevent tipping, an umbrella sleeve for securing the umbrella pole, and a recess for storing ice, with drain and filling apertures to manage water levels and weight distribution, ensuring stability and cooling capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the umbrella stand is made lightweight for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but stability against wind is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidstability against wind

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the counterweight principle by filling the hollow body cavity with water to create a weight that counteracts the tipping force generated by wind on the umbrella. The water acts as a movable counterweight that can be adjusted to achieve optimal stability while maintaining an otherwise lightweight structure for easy handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the stand's weight by allowing water to be added or removed from the body cavity. This enables dynamic adjustment of the stability parameter without changing the structural design, allowing the stand to be lightweight when empty for easy handling but heavy when filled with water for wind resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the body cavity is filled with water to prevent tipping, then stability is improved, but the complexity of water level management is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidwater level management

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping the stand with filling and draining mechanisms that are integrated into the basic structure. The filling aperture, drain aperture, and sump are designed into the stand from the beginning, eliminating the need for complex external water management systems and making the stability feature easy to implement and maintain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a recess is added for ice storage, then functionality is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the body cavity to serve multiple purposes: it provides ballast stability when filled with water, and it serves as an ice storage compartment when ice is placed in the recess. The umbrella sleeve and recess structure are designed to accommodate both functions without requiring separate independent systems, thereby adding functionality while minimizing complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the umbrella sleeve is positioned within the body cavity, then stability is improved, but the ease of umbrella insertion is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of umbrella insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the body cavity into functional zones: the upper portion contains the umbrella sleeve for easy access, while the lower portion contains the sump and water filling area for stability. This spatial segmentation allows the umbrella insertion function to be optimized separately from the ballast function, enabling both stability and ease of operation to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design effectively resists wind-induced tipping and provides a stable platform for umbrellas while allowing for ice storage, keeping beverages cool by using water to prevent tipping and maintaining stability in water depths up to 18 inches.

Implementation Method 1

a body cavity filled with water to prevent tipping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

provides a surface upon which to rest food and drinks... provide a reservoir for ice... keeping beverages cool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11576510B1Submergible umbrella stand

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 LEDGE LOUNGER INC

AI summary

A submergible umbrella stand includes a body including a top, a bottom spaced from the top, and a body wall extending between the top and the bottom and defining a body cavity therein. At least one filling aperture is formed in the top. An umbrella sleeve is positioned within the body and is configured to receive an umbrella pole. An upper recess is formed in the top and includes an upper recess sidewall extending inwardly and downwardly from the top of the body into the body cavity and a bottom extending inwardly from a bottom of the upper recess sidewall. A first sleeve aperture is formed in the bottom of the upper recess, with the umbrella sleeve extending through the first sleeve aperture.