Umbrella Bluetooth Audio Housing with Solar Power Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing umbrellas lack integrated Bluetooth audio and lighting systems with simple and convenient structures for easy disassembly and use.

Innovation Solution

A Bluetooth audio system for an umbrella featuring a housing with a detachable bottom surface mounted on the lower nest, a solar panel on the upper nest, and switches for controlling audio and lighting, integrated with LED light bars and a compact, cylindrical structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a movable column with slots and USB interfaces is added to enable fan and LED light functions, then the umbrella gains multiple functions, but the structure becomes complicated and less convenient to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the umbrella into functional modules: a fixed column for structural support, a movable column for housing electronic components (battery, speaker, LED lights), and separate control units. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to integrating all functions into a single complex column.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable column is designed to accommodate multiple functions through standardized interfaces. The same column structure can house different combinations of components (fan, LED lights, Bluetooth speaker, USB charging ports) depending on user needs, making the umbrella highly versatile without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If LED lights are plugged in and out frequently through slots on the movable column, then the umbrella can be configured for different functions, but the structure becomes less convenient to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction configurabilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the LED light components directly into the movable column structure rather than using separate plug-in modules. The LED lights are integrated with the column's housing and positioning mechanisms, allowing them to be permanently installed and controlled through switches or control apps rather than being frequently plugged and unplugged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The umbrella incorporates automatic positioning and securing mechanisms that self-adjust and lock components in place. The movable column can automatically position itself within the fixed column structure, and integrated switches or wireless controls allow users to activate functions without manual intervention, reducing the need for frequent physical connection/disconnection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a Bluetooth audio system is integrated into the umbrella, then the umbrella gains audio functionality, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio functionalityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the Bluetooth audio components (battery, speaker, control circuitry) are housed within the movable column, which itself is nested within the fixed column structure. This nested arrangement allows the audio system to be compactly integrated without requiring separate external housings, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable column serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the fixed column and the Bluetooth audio components. It provides a standardized mounting interface and power transmission path, allowing the audio system to be easily integrated and detached without complex wiring or structural modifications to the main umbrella body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system enhances the functionality of umbrellas by integrating Bluetooth audio and lighting, with a solar panel providing convenient power, and a simple, compact design for easy installation and operation.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel having an output end mounted on the top of the upper nest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a battery having an input end disposed inside the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

a speaker disposed inside the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic conversion:

Implementation Method 4

a plurality of LED light bars mounted on the plurality of rods; a lamp plate with a plurality of lamps inside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4151117B1Bluetooth audio component for sunshade
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 TEMPO MFG LLC
  • EP4151117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4151117B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4151117B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A Bluetooth audio system for an umbrella comprises a column (1); an upper nest (2); a lower nest (3); a plurality of rods (4); a plurality of LED light bars (8); a solar panel (5); and the Bluetooth audio system (6), characterized in that the Bluetooth audio system further comprises a housing (6a) having a conductive interface (67) electrically connected to the output end of the solar panel (5) and the input end of the battery (63); a battery (63); and a speaker (64); a lamp plate (6b) with a plurality of lamps inside is connected to the bottom surface of the housing (6a); a Bluetooth audio switch (30) and a lighting switch (40) for controlling the lamps and the plurality of LED light bars (8) are mounted on the housing (6a). The invention has simple, compact and reasonable structure, convenient operation, and strong practicability. It can be used alone or as an outdoor umbrella accessory.