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.
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.
Brella Base Vase or Brella BV(ase)
The Brella Base Vase consists on the combination of two features: a base for a sun-umbrella and a vase with flowers or aromatic plants.
The stability is given by a system with three legs and the fastening by a tube with grip. This base system is made with wood and cork and it can be filled with ground or water to get heavier.
The Brella Base Vase has an hexagonal form that makes the piece more fluid, almost rounded, seeming to occupy less space. However, it is easier to build and less costly.
In the middle, the part of the grip is surrounded by a triangular and structural piece, that makes the Brella Base Vase less expensive and easier to construct (when compared with the solution presented in the week#6, where the legs contact directly with the round tube for the fastening).
The Brella Base Vase is constructed of wood lined on the inside with cork. The cork is a material more resistant to water (100%), which makes it suitable for contact with the ground. The inside of this base is made in cork (maybe as an unique piece as we see in the next draw), perforated because of the outflow of water if we decide to fill it with ground, but it can be closed with a lid (made in cork) and filled with water if we decide to use water plants.
The Brella Base Vase has itself a cork base so that the wood is not in direct contact with the ground and therefore with water.
The next photo belongs to the prototype of week#6, just to show it with a plant (that is ill).
Next steps
To further refine and develop this artifact, the next steps should be:
1) Define the precise way of connecting the different pieces, mainly the wood pieces (if they are glued, embedded, ...);
2) Study the manufacturing and transport system;
3) Calculate and test if the Brella Base Vase is heavy enough (when filled with ground or water) to stabilize the sun-umbrella;
4) Define better the brand image;
5) Define if the base is assembled at home or if it goes already assembled;
6) Study the inside cork unique piece (if it´s just a lining or if it's a piece we can move, how we do the cork agglomerate, it's shape, ...).
1) Define the precise way of connecting the different pieces, mainly the wood pieces (if they are glued, embedded, ...);
2) Study the manufacturing and transport system;
3) Calculate and test if the Brella Base Vase is heavy enough (when filled with ground or water) to stabilize the sun-umbrella;
4) Define better the brand image;
5) Define if the base is assembled at home or if it goes already assembled;
6) Study the inside cork unique piece (if it´s just a lining or if it's a piece we can move, how we do the cork agglomerate, it's shape, ...).
Other colleagues questions
The cork is a material 100% waterproof.
These are some images of products that already use cork because it is light and 100% waterproof:
These are some images of products that already use cork because it is light and 100% waterproof:
The system GEOGREEN (Maria Manso, UBI), winner of a NASA's award.
An umbrella, made by Pelcor.
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