Product Description
Tide Actuated Sun-Shade Part Set 2 of 2
The Tide Actuated Sun-Shade is a novel invention which uses the incoming and out-going ocean tide to physically manipulate a lightweight shading device via a simple rack & pinion gear, a cam, and a lever arm. The device can be mounted to a seawall or a dock and is intended to be arrayed with other modules to create a continuous run of shading devices. By offsetting the cams across the array, various patterns in the canopy can be achieved. Essentially, the sun-shade, being powered by the tide, becomes a functional kinetic sculpture which actually does something useful for humans beyond looking cool. See supporting images.
This design is part of my graduate work at the University of South Florida School of Architecture and is meant to enhance the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, Florida. Tampa's Riverwalk can best be described as a long stretch of sidewalks and plazas with little to no shade / protection from the sun. The Tide Actuated Sun-Shades will provide a practical and creative solution for Tampa, while also serving as an attraction.
The 3D Printed Model will serve as a prototype to test the overall mechanics and cam positions, while also serving as a visual aide for fundraising. After initial tests and tweaking using physical models, a larger prototype will be printed. It will also be possible to print custom parts for a larger scale model or even the final product.
Requires Tide Actuated Sun-Shade Part Set 1 of 2
