Integrated patio umbrella fan and system

Abstract

An umbrella apparatus may comprise a pole. A canopy may be supported by the pole. A fan assembly may be integrated within the pole. The fan assembly may comprise at least one tangential fan configured to generate airflow perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pole. A height adjustment mechanism may be configured to enable repositioning of the fan assembly along the pole. A power supply system may comprise solar panels integrated into the canopy and a battery module connected to the solar panels. An airflow direction control system may comprise adjustable vanes at an outlet of the fan assembly. A wireless communication interface may be configured for remote control of the fan assembly. The height adjustment mechanism may comprise a clamp assembly with first and second semi-circular sections to encircle the pole. A quick-release lever may be configured to enable single-handed operation of the clamp assembly.

The following is claimed: 
     
         1 . An umbrella apparatus comprising:
 a pole;   a canopy supported by the pole;   a fan assembly integrated within the pole, wherein the fan assembly comprises at least one tangential fan configured to generate airflow perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pole;   a height adjustment mechanism configured to enable vertical repositioning of the fan assembly along the pole;   a power supply system comprising solar panels integrated into the canopy and a battery module electrically connected to the solar panels;   an airflow direction control system comprising a plurality of adjustable vanes positioned at an outlet of the fan assembly; and   a wireless communication interface configured to enable remote control of the fan assembly operation.   
     
     
         2 . The umbrella apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises a clamp assembly having first and second semi-circular sections configured to encircle the pole, and a quick-release lever configured to enable single-handed operation of the clamp assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The umbrella apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the clamp assembly further comprises a pressure adjustment mechanism having a rotatable element configured to modify clamping force applied to the pole by the first and second semi-circular sections. 
     
     
         4 . The umbrella apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fan assembly comprises dual tangential fans positioned in parallel configuration within a cylindrical housing, and wherein the dual tangential fans are configured to operate independently to provide variable airflow patterns. 
     
     
         5 . The umbrella apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the airflow direction control system is configured to adjust airflow direction between a substantially horizontal orientation and a downward angle of approximately 45 degrees from horizontal. 
     
     
         6 . The umbrella apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the wireless communication interface comprises Bluetooth connectivity configured to pair with mobile computing devices for remote operation of the fan assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The umbrella apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an LED illumination system integrated into ribs of the canopy, wherein the LED illumination system is powered by the battery module and controllable via the wireless communication interface. 
     
     
         8 . An umbrella cooling device comprising:
 a pole;   a canopy supported by the pole;   a motorized air circulation unit positioned within the pole, wherein the motorized air circulation unit comprises dual centrifugal fans arranged to generate radial airflow distribution;   a positioning mechanism configured to secure the motorized air circulation unit at selectable vertical locations along the pole;   an energy harvesting system comprising photovoltaic cells disposed on the canopy and a rechargeable power storage unit;   a directional airflow controller comprising rotatable deflector plates at an airflow exit of the motorized air circulation unit; and   environmental sensors configured to automatically adjust fan speed based on ambient temperature conditions.   
     
     
         9 . The umbrella cooling device of  claim 8 , wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a split-collar clamp having two arcuate segments configured to surround the pole, and wherein the split-collar clamp comprises a cam-actuated locking system operable without tools. 
     
     
         10 . The umbrella cooling device of  claim 8 , wherein the motorized air circulation unit is configured to oscillate through a 360-degree rotation to provide omnidirectional airflow coverage around the pole. 
     
     
         11 . The umbrella cooling device of  claim 8 , wherein the directional airflow controller is configured to redirect airflow from a perpendicular orientation relative to the pole to an angled orientation between 30 degrees and 60 degrees below horizontal. 
     
     
         12 . The umbrella cooling device of  claim 8 , wherein the energy harvesting system further comprises an AC power input port configured to charge the rechargeable power storage unit from external electrical sources. 
     
     
         13 . The umbrella cooling device of  claim 8 , wherein the environmental sensors comprise a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and wherein the motorized air circulation unit is configured to modulate operational parameters based on readings from the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The umbrella cooling device of  claim 8 , further comprising a status display unit integrated into the motorized air circulation unit, wherein the status display unit is configured to indicate operational mode, battery charge level, and environmental sensor readings. 
     
     
         15 . An umbrella ventilation system comprising:
 a support pole;   a shade canopy mounted to the support pole;   a fan unit integrated within the support pole, wherein the fan unit comprises at least one axial flow fan configured to generate airflow parallel to a central axis of the support pole;   a vertical positioning assembly configured to enable adjustment of the fan unit position along a length of the support pole;   a solar power system comprising flexible photovoltaic panels integrated into fabric of the shade canopy and a removable battery pack electrically coupled to the flexible photovoltaic panels;   an airflow redirection assembly comprising a series of pivotable louvers positioned at an airflow discharge of the fan unit; and   a control interface configured to enable user adjustment of fan unit operation and airflow direction.   
     
     
         16 . The umbrella ventilation system of  claim 15 , wherein the vertical positioning assembly comprises a clamping mechanism having opposing curved segments configured to engage the support pole, and wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a spring-loaded release handle configured to enable rapid repositioning of the fan unit. 
     
     
         17 . The umbrella ventilation system of  claim 15 , wherein the control interface comprises a mobile application configured to enable wireless adjustment of the fan unit speed, oscillation patterns, and airflow direction through a smartphone or tablet device. 
     
     
         18 . The umbrella ventilation system of  claim 15 , wherein the fan unit comprises a pair of axial flow fans mounted in series configuration within a tubular enclosure, and wherein the pair of axial flow fans are configured to operate at variable speeds to provide adjustable airflow volume. 
     
     
         19 . The umbrella ventilation system of  claim 15 , wherein the airflow redirection assembly is configured to direct airflow between a substantially vertical downward orientation and an angled orientation of approximately 30 degrees from vertical. 
     
     
         20 . The umbrella ventilation system of  claim 15 , wherein the control interface comprises wireless connectivity configured to communicate with smartphone applications for remote operation of the fan unit and airflow redirection assembly.