Angled Gear Motor Integration in RV Awning Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable awnings in the RV industry face challenges with weight, complexity, and bulkiness due to the use of torsion springs and motor assemblies, which increase the size of end covers and require additional components like back-brakes.
Innovation Solution
An angled gear motor is integrated within the awning arm, eliminating the need for torsion springs and back-brakes by using a drive assembly with a motor and angled transmission to rotate the awning roller tube, reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torsion spring assembly is used to assist in retraction of the awning, then the retraction function is achieved, but the weight of the awning assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the torsion spring assembly from the awning system entirely. The motorized drive mechanism provides both extension and retraction functions without requiring separate spring assistance, thereby eliminating the weight of the spring components while maintaining reliable retraction capability through the motor's controlled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized drive mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides both the extension force to deploy the awning and the retraction force to收回 it. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional separate system of motor for extension and springs for retraction, reducing overall component weight while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If a torsion spring and related assembly are used, then the retraction assistance is provided, but the complexity of mounting accessories increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the torsion spring assembly entirely, the patent eliminates the complex mounting hardware, brackets, and adjustment mechanisms required to install and configure spring systems. The motorized drive integrates directly into the awning arm structure, simplifying the mounting process and reducing the number of accessory components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is integrated within the awning arm structure itself, combining the motor, transmission, and mounting functions into a unified assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting accessories and simplifies installation by reducing the number of discrete components that must be assembled and secured.
3Power
If the motor and transmission are positioned externally, then the drive function is achieved, but the size of the end cap structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and transmission assembly are nested within the hollow interior of the awning arm, utilizing the existing arm cavity as housing space. This nesting approach eliminates the need for large external end cap structures, as the drive components are contained within the arm's internal volume, thereby reducing the overall external dimensions of the end cap while maintaining full drive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the motor and transmission in an external configuration that would require large end caps, the design moves the drive components into the internal three-dimensional space of the awning arm. This dimensional repositioning allows the end cap to remain compact while the drive mechanism occupies the previously unused internal volume of the arm structure.
4Measurement precision
If additional components like back-brakes are used, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The worm gear transmission mechanism provides inherent self-locking capability due to its mechanical design, where the worm can drive the wheel but the wheel cannot back-drive the worm. This self-locking feature automatically holds the awning in position without requiring additional back-brake components, achieving precise control through the transmission's inherent mechanical properties rather than added devices.
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
This solution reduces the weight and size of the awning assembly, simplifies mounting, and enhances fuel efficiency by eliminating the need for torsion springs and back-brakes, while maintaining effective canopy extension and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
The worm may extend from the motor. The drive shaft may extend from the angled transmission.
Implementation Method 2
A motor may be disposed within one of the arms. An angled transmission may be operably connected to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an awning assembly, specifically an angled gear motor are provided. Present embodiments provide a motor for an awning assembly, wherein the motor is positioned in the awning hardware. Specifically, the motor may be supported by the awning hardware. The awning assembly may also have an angled transmission connected to the motor. The transmission and motor provide rotating movement of the awning roller tube.