Umbrella Base Pivot and Spring Tilt for Adjustable Shade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional umbrellas lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the angle and position of their canopies to provide optimal shade, especially in varying sunlight conditions, which limits user convenience and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a pivot and spring system that allows the umbrella pole to be adjusted by moving it from a first to a second position, with a rotary bearing enabling angular motion, and optional automated movement via linear actuators or motors, allowing for easy manual or automated adjustment of the canopy's angle and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a joint is provided high on the umbrella pole near the canopy, then the canopy can be tilted, but the device complexity increases and the base becomes heavier for stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the pivot at the bottom of the pole rather than high near the canopy. This inversion simplifies the joint mechanism while maintaining canopy tilting capability, and allows the base to provide both support and stabilization functions more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the joint mechanism from the upper pole section and relocates it to the base. This separation allows the joint to be integrated into the base structure, reducing overall device complexity while preserving the tilting function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional joints are used for tilting, then the canopy angle can be changed, but the ease of operation decreases due to cumbersome mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the pivot location to the base, the patent enables simpler operation where the entire pole-canopy assembly tilts as a unified structure around the base pivot, eliminating the need to manipulate complex upper-joint mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable pivot in the base that allows dynamic angle adjustment. The pivot can be repositioned to different locations in the base, enabling continuous angle changes rather than fixed discrete positions, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot is positioned high on the pole, then the canopy can be tilted, but the shipping volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Placing the pivot in the base rather than high on the pole allows for a more compact overall structure. The base can be designed to integrate the pivot mechanism efficiently, reducing the need for additional support structures and thereby decreasing total weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pivot mechanism with the base structure, eliminating separate components. This integration reduces the number of parts, decreases assembly requirements, and reduces overall shipping weight and volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a lower pivot is provided, then privacy and view framing are enhanced, but the stability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By placing the pivot in the base rather than high on the pole, the patent lowers the rotation point, which naturally enhances privacy by positioning the mechanism below the canopy level and improves view framing. The base structure provides inherent stability to counteract the lower pivot position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pivot from the pole structure and places it in the base, allowing the base to assume the stabilization function. This separation enables the base to be designed with enhanced stability features while the pole remains lighter and more manageable.
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
This solution enables users to easily adjust the umbrella's angle and position to provide desired shade, improving user convenience and adaptability, especially in outdoor settings, while reducing weight and bulk for enhanced portability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring connected (directly or indirectly) to the umbrella pole so that operation of the spring(s) moves the umbrella pole from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
a pivot for the umbrella pole that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole
Implementation Method 3
a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for holding and tilting an umbrella. The apparatus comprises at least one spring connected to an umbrella pole so that operation of the spring(s) moves the umbrella pole so as to adjust the pole angle of the umbrella. The apparatus also comprises a pivot for the umbrella pole that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole. The apparatus also comprises a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole. The spring(s) and the pivot can be connected to the rotary bearing. The present apparatus can also include a shade umbrella and an outdoor table. Methods for tilting an umbrella are also provided.