Umbrella with Integrated Camera and Motorized Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sun shading devices are inflexible, require manual operation, and lack automated features to adapt to environmental changes or user preferences, failing to integrate with external systems or provide advanced functionalities like communication and software control.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent shading system comprising a shading object or umbrella with automated motorized components, integrated computing devices, and cameras, which can adjust orientation, deploy arms, and communicate with external systems, using sensors and motors to track the sun and respond to environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sun shading devices use a unitary frame with a single awning, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device lacks flexibility and cannot be deployed in many situations
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a base assembly, a plurality of arm assemblies, and a center support assembly that can be independently configured. The arm assemblies can be selectively positioned at different angles and heights, allowing the device to adapt to various deployment situations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assemblies incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the frame structure. The arms can be positioned at different angles and heights to create varying shading configurations, transforming a static unitary frame into a dynamic, adaptable structure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional sun shading devices require manual operation to change inclination angle, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation is poor and cannot adapt to environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect environmental conditions such as sunlight intensity and temperature, and motorized assemblies that autonomously adjust the arm positions and shading panel angles without user intervention. The device serves itself by responding to environmental changes through integrated sensing and actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor environmental parameters and feed this information to a control system that automatically adjusts the shading device configuration. The feedback loop enables the device to adapt to changing conditions by comparing sensor data with optimal shading parameters and making real-time adjustments through motorized assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sun shading devices have a single awning fabric, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different shading needs and user preferences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shading system uses multiple separate arm assemblies with individual shading panels or fabrics instead of a single large awning. Each arm can be independently configured with appropriate fabric tension and angle, allowing flexible shading patterns while simplifying manufacturing through standardized, replaceable components.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent umbrella includes a base assembly, a center support assembly having one or more arm support assemblies, and one or more arms coupled to the one or more arm support assemblies. The center support assembly is a tubular structure to house electrical and mechanical components. The umbrella includes a computing device, the computing device integrated inside the center support assembly. The computing device includes one or more memory devices, one or more processors and computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory devices and executable by the one or more processors. The intelligent umbrella includes a shading fabric. The intelligent umbrella includes a camera, the camera to capture images of an area in proximity to the intelligent shading umbrella, the camera integrated inside the center support assembly.