Smart Umbrella

Overview:

Tasked by the Samsung Think Tank Team to innovate within the context of nature and autonomous technology, we designed an autonomous beach umbrella that dynamically adjusts to the sun's movement, providing continuous protection from harmful UV rays without the need for manual repositioning.

Problem Identification:

Traditional beach umbrellas fail to offer consistent shade as the sun moves, requiring manual adjustments that can be inconvenient or forgotten, leading to exposure to harmful UV rays.

Concept Generation, Selection & Iteration:

Through rapid sketching and evaluation of user needs and engineering requirements, we created three distinct design concepts, each with unique opening, rotating, and tilting mechanisms, complemented by solar panels for energy independence and stake anchoring for stability. Feedback from brainstorming sessions led to a focus on a dual-handle design for improved maneuverability, light sensors for automatic positioning, and solar charging for sustainability.

Solution Strategy:

• Top and Bottom Tilting and Rotating Mechanisms: Enabled by worm gears, pulleys and stepper motors, these mechanisms allow precise orientation of the umbrella towards the sun for optimal shade.

• Intelligent Light Sensors: Positioned on the canopy, these sensors control the motors, adjusting the umbrella in real-time to the sun's position.

• GPS sensors: Positioned on the inside of the umbrella, the GPS system receives real time data based on the position of the umbrella and sun to tilt towards the suns position

• Solar-Powered: Solar panels on the umbrella surface provide a green energy source, powering the system and reinforcing the product's sustainability.

  
  

Engineering Challenges & Solutions:

• Motor Selection: We opted for a stepper motor with a worm gearbox to ensure high torque transmission and self-locking ability, necessary for maintaining the umbrella's position against wind and gravity.

• Dual Pulley System: Provides balanced support and control for the tilting mechanism, ensuring the umbrella remains vertical and functional across a range of motion.

  • Pulley Tensioning: Transitioning to metal pulleys with a timing belt allowed for maintained tension and stability, preventing slippage during operation.

  • Stability in Tilting: By adding a supportive second pulley system, we overcame issues with weight distribution and umbrella stability at extreme angles.

• Bottom Rotation Mechanism: Incorporates a unique motor placement and bearing system for uninterrupted and smooth rotation of the umbrella.

  • Bottom movement: A lazy Susan system utilizing metal bearings ensured smooth rotation of the umbrella, avoiding wire tangling and enhancing durability.

    
    

Takeaways:

This complex project was an intensive exercise in systems thinking, requiring rapid ideation, prototyping, and problem-solving under a tight three-month timeline. Collaborating in a multidisciplinary team, we honed our skills in mechanical design, user-centered engineering, and larger-scale prototyping, leading to a deeper understanding of force, torque, and manufacturability challenges in real-world applications.

Final Design Implications:

The completed assembly, embodying both a tilting pulley system and a rotating lazy Susan mechanism, culminated in a fully functional and user-independent solution, marking a significant step forward in adaptive outdoor technology.