Assignment#4.2 Prototyping - 3 concepts

Problem statement

This work focus on the creation of a better base system for a sun-umbrella, easy to transport, resistant, stable, easy to use, that articulates more than one use, more aesthetically pleasant and built according to environmental standards.

The base is transportable;
The base is resistant;
The base is stable;
The base is  easy to use;
The base doesn't gather water;
The base does not hinder my space;
The base articulates several uses;
The base has an ergonomic shape;
The base is aesthetically pleasing;
The base doesn't get dirty easily;
The base is built according to environmental standards;
The base has good quality/price ratio.

Concept D: Table Fixer

This project consists of a system for securing the sun-umbrella and fix it that implies the weight of the table to keep the sun-umbrella stable. Thus, this system does not result in metal or plastic tables that are too light.

One of the difficulties encountered in creating this prototype has to do with its possible dimensions. To find out what sizes the parts of the system would have to have  (such as the diameter of the clamps that grip the table legs or the length of the beams) was necessary to find out if there were tables with standard dimensions, which was not completely observed.

So it was decided to first prototype a system that allows the base to grasp round legs with several different diameters and could be stretched by increasing the length of the beams.

The system consists of a clamp which can be tightened to lock on narrower table legs and a beam that clings to the bracket  through a mechanism with two screws that makes the lock slide over the tabs of the cuff in order to increase the length of the crossbar.

Concept F: Cork Base

This project consists on the aggregation of two functions: the base for a sun-umbrella and a vase with flowers or aromatic plants.

The system is simple: four legs attached to a tube which will function as a fixer. So the sun-umbrella is fixed and stable. The base has the problem of being heavy, although the concern of using lighter materials such as cork. It's filled home with land or water, if wishing aquatic plants.

Looking to understand if such a system could work, especially due to the use of cork, we found this project, the system GEOGREEN (Maria Manso, UBI), that match with what is intended for concept F.

Concept J: "Rubber Sleeve" Base

This concept is based on the idea that adding a rubber at the end of the sun-umbrella it will gain more friction with the fixer of the base (any existing plastic base) and the sun-umbrella will become more fixed and stable.

As it is not easy to put a rubber so thick and tight at the end of the sun-umbrella, we sought to create a system that simplifies the task and we found a good example of a product already on the market: condoms.

Then the rubber will come wrapped and only stretched when we apply it in the extreme of the sun-umbrella.

The rubber may be striated to allow more grip.

(This system can be used with the concept D and F.)