Wood and Furniture

The conventional canopy structure of foldable sun umbrellas has been around for centuries. They are designed as a radially symmetrical arrangement of spokes and struts, which form a closed ring around the mast and are therefore highly resistant to wind loads. Furthermore, the current technology requires that parasols are opened against the force of gravity. The parasol’s shape must therefore be very complex and heavy in order to be stable enough to open it and stretch the fabric. Its round shape is consequently predetermined and, as a result, inflexible. Furthermore, it requires a high amount of material. The Upper Austrian company’s solution is inspired by nature and its structures. Building on this, a parasol has been designed based on the principle of mirror symmetry. DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY & DIFFERENCE TO THE STATE OF THE ART: Unlike conventional parasols, this parasol has a mirror-symmetrical design and is characterized by a flat principle. This bionic inspired principle is based on an almost horizontal support rod from which, on either side, at least one flexible tension rod spans the fabric canopy. The resulting flexibility (indestructibility) against wind loads is the essence of this bionic design. It also makes it easier to open, as it allows the forces of gravity to be overcome. Furthermore, the construction reduces material usage which enables a lighter and simpler design. The scaffolding consists mainly of aluminium hollow sections, glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) rods, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) rods or hollow sections, and plastic components (injection-moulded), as well as various connecting elements. At the same time, the system is flexible in its size (sizes for mass-produced goods are from 135x200cm to 800x800cm, unique architectural pieces up to 1700 x 1700 cm) and provides additional cooling thanks to improved air circulation beneath the canopy, as it is flatter than conventional parasols. At present, there are five different prototypes in different types and sizes available which are close to series production. Recommended retail prices range from €150 for small entry-level models up to over €20,000 for large electric screens. – Small symmetrical balcony awning with a central pole and a canopy area of 135x200 cm. Adjustable to any position and capable of 360° rotation. – Small side-pole awning without a pendulum suspension system. Adjustable to any position, capable of 360° rotation and featuring an auto-lift function, allowing the awning to be raised automatically to the desired height. – Medium-sized side-pole awning for permanent installation without swivel and tilt function. Can only be raised and lowered sideways using a crank mechanism or electric drive. APPLICATION AREAS: The range of applications is wide, as this innovative sunscreen can be used wherever artificial shading improves quality of life. From restaurants and businesses to private homes, on terraces or balconies. Thanks to the various designs available, it can be used in both confined and spacious areas. Its design also ensures it withstands windy conditions well. This means that this innovative product gives licensees the opportunity to market it widely. In fact, the parasol can be mounted directly onto building facades or installed using anchor systems or conventional mobile parasol bases. For building facades, minimal-impact adapters are required for flush-mounted installation, surface-mounted installation for small parasols (up to 200x200cm), or rail mounting for large parasols. In principle, the installation is similar and, in some respects, identical to that of existing parasol systems. UNIQUE SELLING POINTS: - This form of shading technology is extremely sustainable, as the production process emits at least 75% less CO₂ in contrast to conventional manufacturing processes of sun umbrellas. Moreover, thanks to its innovative design, the umbrella is very robust, which has a positive effect on its durability (equivalent to high-quality umbrellas). - The innovative design requires less material and fewer manufacturing steps. This, in turn, means that this type of shade is on average 50% cheaper than conventional parasols. - Due to its innovative lightweight structure, it is at least 50% lighter than existing parasols and therefore offers a simpler handling (e.g. 1.5 kg for the entire roof structure with a canopy size of 135x200 cm – see figures 2 and 3). - Furthermore, there is no heat accumulation under the canopy thanks to its innovative flat design. The wind can simply blow underneath the sunshade, so the warm air doesn't get trapped. - It stands out in a distinctive way, because it offers a modern, clean and refined look in contrast to conventional parasols. Additional benefits for partners: - Lightweight design and correspondingly small packaging volume, meaning less storage space is required. - Lower shipping costs due to up to 75% fewer parts, which in turn reduces manufacturing costs too.