Adjustable-Pitch Retractable Awning Linkage for Weather Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable awnings on recreational vehicles lack adjustable pitch mechanisms, limiting their adaptability to various weather conditions and user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A retractable awning system with adjustable pitch arm linkages and a lever mechanism that allows users to adjust the slope or pitch of the canopy by extending or retracting the linkages, assisted by a gas strut for deployment and featuring a locking lever to maintain the desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the awning uses fixed support arm linkages, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the awning cannot adapt to different sun and rain angles
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm linkages are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the awning pitch angle to be dynamically changed. The linkage includes an adjustable length component that can be manually extended or retracted to different positions, enabling the awning to adapt to various sun and rain angles while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch angle of the awning is made variable by allowing adjustment of the support arm linkage length. Users can change the effective length of the linkage to modify the pitch parameter, thereby optimizing the awning's performance for different weather conditions and user preferences
2Adaptability or versatility
If the awning includes adjustable pitch mechanism, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm linkage is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted. The linkage includes separate components (such as telescoping sections or articulated segments) that can be extended or retracted to achieve different pitch angles, allowing for adjustable functionality without requiring a complete redesign of the entire support structure
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is designed to lock the linkage in position automatically when adjusted. The lever engages with detents or locking features on the adjustable linkage components, providing self-locking capability that maintains the selected pitch angle without requiring continuous external force or complex active control systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible deployment and retraction of the awning to accommodate different sun and rain angles, providing enhanced shelter and user convenience through adjustable pitch control.
Implementation Method 1
A gas strut may be used to exert a biasing force urging the linkages toward the unfolded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable awning is provided with a canopy that is windable around a roller supported at its opposite ends by support arm assemblies that include an adjustable pitch arm linkage that is extendable in length to move the roller in a direction away from a ground surface and retractable in length to move the roller in a direction toward a ground surface. A lever that controls the locking of the adjustable pitch arm linkage at the desired length may be automatically locked during retraction of the adjustable awning from the deployed configuration to a folded storage configuration.