FIONAS
STUDIO
UMBRELLA STAND MODIFICATIONS
Skills:
Cardboard prototyping
Sketching
Product development
Completion Date:
2021 Semester 1
Brief:
Modify, repair, customize an existing object to improve its functionality or longevity.
This assignment has shown my process of modifying and customising a pre-existing umbrella stand. Due to the circumstance of Covid-19 and being unable to attend the studio for high-fidelity prototypes, I have used sketches and cardboard prototyping to show the improvement the functionality of the umbrella stand.
My object is an acrylic umbrella stand shaped like a prism with a smaller base, it has holes at the bottom for airflow. I have made a small-scale prototype using cardboard (substituting acrylic) and a hot glue gun (substituting solvent glue). My design process will show how I:
- Modify the object through developments to increase practicality and longevity
- Repair the issues of my object to improve functionality
- Customise the object to fit user needs, as-well-as disassembling then customising a new umbrella stand
Opportunities for improvement:
1. Increasing the speed of drying by making all umbrellas stand upright and maximise airflow
2. Solving the issue of water debris from umbrellas as they can lead to slippery floors
3. Maximising the area of umbrellas placed in a minimal space
4. Functioning for both compact and straight umbrellas
Exploration of the use of space
A 4-sided structure, angular umbrella slots, and an equal-sized base and opening maximise the used space, as umbrellas are placed in columns and rows. Modification 1 of an open-end improves its functionality, as various umbrellas can be placed in multiple ways. Umbrella materials such as polyester can get static build-up when in contact with surfaces, and mildew can also develop, so spacing out umbrellas will increase longevity.
Exploration of structures
These designs have been re-customised from the original object to improve functionality. Modification 1 and 2 of a gap allows more ventilation to dry umbrellas faster.
Exploration of the water collection
The minimum slope for water to run off a surface is approximately 1.19 degrees (2). The barrier on the base improves the efficiency of water collection. Design 3 of a slight slant and lowered side allows users to easily access their umbrella, while water still runs down. A thin opening with angled panels is a simple and functional way to transport water to the plant.
Exploration of the base
Holes in the base helps stabilise umbrellas, repairing the issue of them falling over. But the umbrellas’ pressure may result in wearing out, so a separate knob on the base will be longer-lasting.
Prototype making process
Using cardboard (substituting acrylic), hot glue gun (substituting solvent glue) and a craft knife, I have experimented with slight modifications to create a final small-scale prototype. Research and sketches have helped my decision-making.
The disassembled parts of my original object can be customised to create a more functional design. Band saws are best suited to cut acrylics with thicknesses over 0.472 inches (3). Acrylic solvent-based glues are used to chemically bond pieces of acrylics into one structure for longevity (4).
Final prototype
Evaluation
I have successfully modified the original object and repaired the initial areas of improvement. I utilised the disassembled pieces of my object to customise an improved umbrella stand.
I modified the original object to having an equal-size base as the opening to create a structure that prevents umbrellas from toppling over and optimises space. The long-lasting base knobs support umbrellas to stand upright and separate, so there is abundant airflow to help drying. This improves longevity, as certain umbrella materials are prone to mildew when wet. The base has been customised and lifted at an angle. This was a successful modification as it repaired the issue of slippery floors, and the water debris was collected to aid plants' growth. The 2 levels of my design accommodates all users’ umbrellas and can be used in multiple ways.
An improvement I could make in the future is developing the way the water is transported to the plant. The angled panels on the outside of the stand are bulky and may cause a tripping hazard.
Bibliography
(1) HfU-admin. (May 28 2019). The ABCs of umbrella fabrics. https://www.hfumbrella.com/the-abcs-of-umbrella-fabrics
(2) Elizabeth Abbey. (September 8 2018). The proper angle of runoff on a roof. https://www.hunker.com/13402553/the-proper-angle-for-water-runoff-on-a-flat-roof
(3) David Proctor. (July 2 2017). 5 do-it-yourself ways to cut acrylics. https://www.cutmyplastic.co.uk/blog/5-ways-cut-acrylic-perspex/
(4) Jordan Bunker. (October 29 2015). Acrylic cheat sheet: How to cut, glue, bend and more. https://makezine.com/2021/03/01/upcoming-classes-learning-fusion-360-origami-circuits-and-architecture-for-kids/