Abstract

A parasol that automatically reorients its canopy to track the sun and maximize shade coverage, rather than staying fixed as the sun moves. Built on a tripod-mounted dual-panel frame with a light-sensor array for sun-position sensing and servo actuation for canopy orientation, controlled by an Arduino. Won the Bronze Award at the Creative Comprehensive Design Competition and the Design Award at Korea University’s Capstone Design Fair.

Method

• Sensed sun position with a light-sensor array rather than a fixed ephemeris model, so tracking adapts to real lighting conditions (cloud cover, obstructions)
• Computed the canopy orientation needed to maximize shade from the sensor readings
• Actuated the canopy angle with servo motors under Arduino control, mounted on a tripod base for standalone outdoor use

Results

Demonstrated continuous shade tracking through the day on the physical prototype, winning the Bronze Award at the Creative Comprehensive Design Competition and the Design Award at Korea University’s Capstone Design Fair.

Skills

Arduino AutoCAD C++