Wind-Supported Flexible Shell Sun Shade for Beach Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable shade structures for beach use often lack stability and effectiveness in capturing breeze for support, leading to instability in windy conditions.

Innovation Solution

A portable shade structure comprising a flexible shell with an elongate opening that can catch the breeze, supported by a base including a mast and swivel frame, which allows the structure to be supported by wind and remain stable in various wind conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing portable shade structures use traditional rigid frames and fixed bases, then they provide structural support, but they lack stability in windy conditions and cannot effectively utilize breeze for support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability in windy conditionsVSAvoidability to capture breeze

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static rigid frame structure into a dynamic flexible membrane structure that can move and adapt with wind forces. The flexible membrane body with opening allows the structure to dynamically capture breeze and convert wind energy into stabilizing forces, enabling the shade structure to maintain stability across varying wind conditions from light breezes to stronger winds up to 25 mph.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the structural parameters from rigid fixed geometry to flexible variable geometry. The flexible membrane can change its configuration in response to wind parameters, allowing the opening to orient toward incoming breeze and the membrane to inflate or deflate accordingly, thus adapting to different wind speeds and directions while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the shell is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility to adapt to wind conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility to capture breeze

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent directly applies the flexible shells and thin films principle by using a flexible membrane body that can deform and adapt to wind forces while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible membrane with integrated opening allows the structure to capture breeze effectively, and the material properties ensure that the shell maintains sufficient strength to withstand wind loads up to 25 mph while remaining flexible enough to orient and inflate properly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the base structure is simplified for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but stability in various wind conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidstability in wind

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using the captured breeze itself as a counterbalancing force against the weight and instability concerns of the simplified base structure. The flexible membrane captures wind pressure to create an inflated stable form that counteracts gravitational forces and wind-induced instability, allowing the lightweight portable base to achieve remarkable stability in winds up to 25 mph through aerodynamic support rather than heavy anchoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 structure effectively utilizes wind to maintain stability and provide shade, with the flexible shell and adjustable base ensuring stability in winds above 4 mph and up to 25 mph.

Implementation Method 1

a body (22) including a flexible shell (28), the body having a use configuration wherein the body defines an elongate opening (68) and the shell defines a substantially laminar volume (70) communicating with the opening, the body being adapted, when in the use configuration with the opening orientated to catch the breeze, to be supported by the breeze in the manner of a wind sock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind pressure: Wind Power

Data Source

PatentUS20250024923A1Sun shade

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 SASEK TALON JAMES ROGER

AI summary

The apparatus comprises a body and a base. The body includes a flexible shell, has a use configuration wherein the body defines an elongate opening and the shell defines a substantially laminar volume communicating with the opening, and is adapted, when in the use configuration with the opening orientated to catch a breeze, to be supported by the breeze in the manner of a wind sock. The base is adapted to operatively support the body above the ground.