Project Need
Our client, Dr. Yin, desires a device that can protect him from UV exposure while watching his grandchildren play outside. Current solutions that provide UV protection all have distinct shortcomings for the client. Sunscreen is messy to apply, and many people dislike the feeling of sticky sunscreen on especially dirty or sweaty skin. Furthermore, the chemical toxicity of sunscreen also makes it undesirable to lather all over the body on a consistent basis. Sunscreen also does not guarantee even coverage over the body.
Current umbrella and canopy systems are unable to provide the adequate UV protection required by the client. With such open apparatuses the user is still exposed to greater than ¾ of the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. The client wants the shading device to be completely automated, with no manual effort necessary in the readjustment of the device. Furthermore, the client wants to have access to all degrees of freedom available in the device to be able to personalize the amount of shade and sun exposure. Users may forget to adjust the device manually, therefore putting themselves at risk to exposure, or may choose not to adjust the umbrella or canopy due to the manual effort required to do so. Sun-protective clothing can be irritating to users as the material often clings to the skin and is restrictive. The sun-protective properties of the clothing also make these types of clothes expensive for users. Also, sun-protective clothing leaves areas of the body exposed, including the face, feet, and hands. Many existing sun-shading devices are non-portable and semi-fixed, leaving users unable to utilize to device in a variety of environments and terrains once erected. As a result, a specific need exists to create a product that overcomes these current shortcomings. The Auto Shade device will be able to automatically adjust to provide maximum or minimal shade and UV protection for the user as the sun moves depending on user preference, removing the inconvenient manual set up required for umbrellas and canopies. The Auto Shade device allows users to avoid the uncomfortable feelings associated with sticky sunscreen and clingy clothes while participating in outdoor activities.
Current umbrella and canopy systems are unable to provide the adequate UV protection required by the client. With such open apparatuses the user is still exposed to greater than ¾ of the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. The client wants the shading device to be completely automated, with no manual effort necessary in the readjustment of the device. Furthermore, the client wants to have access to all degrees of freedom available in the device to be able to personalize the amount of shade and sun exposure. Users may forget to adjust the device manually, therefore putting themselves at risk to exposure, or may choose not to adjust the umbrella or canopy due to the manual effort required to do so. Sun-protective clothing can be irritating to users as the material often clings to the skin and is restrictive. The sun-protective properties of the clothing also make these types of clothes expensive for users. Also, sun-protective clothing leaves areas of the body exposed, including the face, feet, and hands. Many existing sun-shading devices are non-portable and semi-fixed, leaving users unable to utilize to device in a variety of environments and terrains once erected. As a result, a specific need exists to create a product that overcomes these current shortcomings. The Auto Shade device will be able to automatically adjust to provide maximum or minimal shade and UV protection for the user as the sun moves depending on user preference, removing the inconvenient manual set up required for umbrellas and canopies. The Auto Shade device allows users to avoid the uncomfortable feelings associated with sticky sunscreen and clingy clothes while participating in outdoor activities.