Umbrella With Integrated Heating And Cooling Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing umbrellas do not provide adequate cooling or heating for users in extreme weather conditions, leaving them vulnerable to sunstroke, dehydration, and skin damage from UV radiation, and fail to address temperature regulation in both hot and cold environments.
Innovation Solution
A cooling umbrella device with a heating/cooling unit integrated into the umbrella body, made from UV-protective materials, featuring a telescopic shaft, rubber grip handle, and adjustable temperature control via a button, which includes a fan for cooling and an electric heating coil for heating, allowing for temperature regulation and airflow adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional umbrella is used to provide shade, then UV protection is achieved, but temperature regulation capability is insufficient in extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional umbrella structure with integrated heating and cooling units, merging the functions of UV protection and active temperature regulation into a single device. The heating unit with heating elements and the cooling unit with cooling elements are incorporated into the umbrella body, allowing simultaneous or alternating operation to address temperature extremes while maintaining shade provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The umbrella is designed to perform multiple functions: providing shade for UV protection, heating the user in cold conditions through heating elements, and cooling the user in hot conditions through cooling elements. This multi-functional design makes the device adaptable to various weather conditions including sunny, cold, and hot environments.
2Temperature
If a cooling unit is added to the umbrella, then temperature regulation in hot weather is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit is integrated into the existing umbrella structure, merging the cooling function with the canopy and support framework. The cooling elements are positioned to work in conjunction with the umbrella's existing components, reducing the need for separate structural elements and minimizing overall device complexity despite adding functional capability.
3Temperature
If a heating unit is added to the umbrella, then temperature regulation in cold weather is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit with heating elements is integrated into the umbrella body structure, combining the heating function with the existing framework. The heating elements are incorporated into the canopy or support structure, allowing the device to provide thermal comfort in cold conditions while maintaining a relatively streamlined design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If both heating and cooling units are integrated into the umbrella, then adaptability to different weather conditions is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The umbrella is designed as a universal device capable of operating in multiple weather conditions including sunny, cold, and hot environments. By integrating both heating and cooling units, the device can adapt to varying temperature requirements, making it suitable for use across different seasons and climates, thereby justifying the increased manufacturing complexity through enhanced versatility.
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 device effectively reduces the risk of sunstroke, dehydration, and skin damage by providing temperature relief and UV protection in various outdoor conditions, making it a universal solution for different weather scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling element is a fan that provides downward-flowing air onto the user
Implementation Method 2
The heating/cooling element is comprised of at least one electric heating coil to provide heat in cold weather
Implementation Method 3
The body is preferably made from a nylon or polyester material that allows for airflow and shields UV rays from the user
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling umbrella device is provided. The device is comprised of a body, a shaft, handle, and at least one heating/cooling unit. The device allows users to easily activate the heating/cooling unit to maintain a comfortable environment while shielding harmful sunrays outdoors under the umbrella body.