Sun-Tracking Umbrella Angle Control With Ballast Shifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not provide an apparatus for automated movement of an umbrella to adjust shade or follow the sun's angle, offering limited flexibility in providing shade or protection from weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A novel apparatus with a ballast-shifting means or motorized system that allows the umbrella to be automatically adjusted in angle and position, including sun-tracking capabilities, enabling manual or automatic actuation for optimal shade and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a motorized system is used to automatically move the umbrella, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motorized system that uses sensors to detect sun position and automatically adjusts the umbrella angle and orientation, eliminating the need for manual operation while providing intelligent control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The umbrella system performs self-adjustment by using sun-position sensors to automatically determine the optimal orientation and angle, allowing the system to service itself without human intervention by continuously tracking the sun and adjusting accordingly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If sun-tracking capabilities are added to automatically follow the sun's movement, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sun-position sensors that continuously detect the sun's location and provide feedback to the control system, which then automatically adjusts the umbrella's angle and orientation to maintain optimal shade coverage throughout the day

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts both the angle of the umbrella canopy and its horizontal orientation to track the sun's movement across the sky, providing a single system that handles multiple adaptive requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated movement mechanisms are implemented to adjust the umbrella angle and position, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated motorized system that uses sensors to detect sun position and automatically adjusts the umbrella angle and orientation, eliminating the need for manual operation while providing intelligent control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7631653B2Apparatus for automated movement of an umbrella

Publication Date: 2009.12.15 RESORT UMBRELLA SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods are provided for automated movement of an umbrella. An apparatus can be manually or automatically actuated to move the umbrella so as to provide more or less shade as desired by the user. For example, an apparatus is provided which can automatically move an umbrella to follow the movement of the sun. The apparatus can provide maximum or minimum shade (as desired) to the user throughout the day and/or can change the angle of the umbrella with little or no effort by the user. An adjustable umbrella apparatus comprising a ballast-shifting means is also provided.