PURPOSELY DESIGNED WITH DURABILITY IN MIND
After years of rigorous refinement in Perth – the third windiest city in the world and the sunniest city in Australia - the strength of our ‘Fin-technology’ has been tested to withstand winds up to 35 kph (20 knots)*. And structurally able to withstand winds of at least 55 kph (30 knots).
* With recommended anchoring
The ‘Mary Poppins’ Effect
Why do conventional umbrellas lift off and fly away?
Conventional umbrellas are invariably static structures. Their canopies are always shaped like an inverted bowl. Wind blowing at a right angle to a conventional umbrella will create a relatively higher pressure on the underside that creates lift – like an airplane wing or yacht sail (Bernoulli's principle).
To reduce this ‘Mary Poppins’ effect, we commonly see vents of some form or other placed in canopies. This works to a degree – but too often still results in the umbrella lifting, tipping, toppling and then the fun is over. Finbrellas are purpose built to stay, not fly away.
Canopy Geometry
The Solution - Part 1: Allowing the wind to flow through.
The Finbrella canopy has a conventional inverted bowl shape until the ‘Fin’ is deployed by simply pulling the rope and fixing it into position.
With the ‘Fin’ deployed, the canopy assumes a smooth asymmetrical profile and unique geometry so that the wind-lift effect is minimised. The Finbrella canopy shape substantially reduced the tendency to tip backwards with the wind, allowing the wind to flow through.
The ‘Fin’ & Dynamic Shade
The Solution - Part 2: Changing with the wind direction.
To take full advantage of the canopy's wind-lift resistant geometry, the canopy must be able to align correctly with the direction of the wind.
Finbrellas are designed to allow free rotation of the canopy to respond to changes in wind direction. The ‘Fin’ acts just like a wind vane or windmill tail, turning and aligning the canopy to maintain the optimum aerodynamic position for constant wind-stability.
Hexagonal Shape
Why the Hexagon?
After extensive experimenting with various canopy shapes, our engineers decided that the hexagonal shape was best suited for our center pole Finbrella range.
As well as ensuring wind resistance, the hexagonal shaped canopy provides the optimal shade area to weight ratio.
Anchoring Systems
We have engineered a variety of wind-stable anchoring solutions for multiple situations and environments. The various anchoring systems we have available are the result of the critical importance we place on this component of our shade structures.
The options we provide combine aesthetics and functionality with cost minimisation and versatility.
Note: It is essential to remember that the nature of the base anchoring (either its weight or fixing to the ground) is critical to the Finbrella’s limit of wind resistance. Further, Finbrellas are not Permanent Shade Structures and should be secured closed where winds are likely to exceed 40kmh (22knots).
See the Finbrella in action
WATCH THE FILM