Articulated Awning Support Arm for Reliable Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractable awnings lack a robust and efficient support system that allows for easy extension and retraction while maintaining optimal shading orientation, especially when used on recreational vehicles or stationary structures.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven retractable awning system featuring a pair of support arms with pivotally connected top and bottom mounting arms and an extensible pneumatic strut, along with an adjustable articulated lower mounting arm, which allows for horizontal deployment and vertical retraction, ensuring self-regulation and easy manual override in case of motor failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor-driven support system is used for awning deployment, then automation and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical deployment with a motor-driven system. The motor automatically extends the mounting arms from retracted to extended positions, eliminating the need for manual operation and improving ease of use while accepting increased device complexity through the addition of the motor component.
2Area of stationary object
If the mounting arms are extended far from the wall, then shading coverage area is improved, but structural stability and support reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm is divided into multiple segments (first mounting arm and second mounting arm) that can extend and articulate independently. This segmentation allows the system to reach further from the wall for greater shading coverage while maintaining structural stability through the articulated connection points that provide mechanical support at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable between retracted and extended positions. The arms can articulate and change configuration based on deployment needs, allowing the system to optimize between coverage area and structural stability - extending far when shading is needed while maintaining the ability to retract for stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower mounting arm is made articulated and adjustable, then adaptability and positioning flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lower mounting arm incorporates an adjustable coupler that allows the arm to be dynamically reconfigured. The coupler enables adjustment of the arm's angle and position to adapt to different mounting scenarios and achieve optimal shading orientation, providing positioning flexibility while accepting the added complexity of the adjustable mechanism.
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
The system provides reliable and efficient deployment and retraction of the awning, maintaining optimal shading orientation and allowing for easy manual operation in case of motor failure, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the strut comprises a normally-extended pneumatic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the lower mounting arm is articulated, with the lower mounting arm including first and second arm elements
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable awning having a roller, a flexible canopy having one end secured to the roller and rollable onto the roller, and a motor operable to rotate the roller to roll the flexible canopy onto or off the roller. Top and bottom mounting arms extend from a support arm for the roller, with the bottom arm being articulated, and with an extensible strut pivotally connected to and extending between each top and bottom mounting arm.