Awning Airfoil Spoiler System for Wind Flapping Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Awnings with large fabric areas often flap aggressively in windy conditions, causing damage and discomfort, as existing solutions fail to effectively manage airflow and reduce flapping.
Innovation Solution
An awning airfoil system comprising airfoils attached above and below the awning fabric, using a clamp system with adjustable connectors to spoil airflow and reduce flapping by disrupting wind flow across both the top and bottom surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If awning fabric is made large to provide extensive shelter, then shelter area is improved, but wind capture increases causing aggressive flapping
Solution Approach 1:
Airfoils are introduced as intermediary elements between the wind and the awning fabric. These airfoils disrupt and redirect airflow patterns, preventing wind from directly interacting with and causing flapping of the large awning fabric area.
Solution Approach 2:
The airfoils convert the harmful wind flow that causes flapping into beneficial redirected airflow. By strategically positioning airfoils, the wind energy is redirected along the awning structure, reducing flapping while maintaining the large shelter area.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If airfoils are added to spoil airflow and reduce flapping, then flapping reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil system is segmented into multiple independent airfoil units that can be attached at different locations along the awning. This segmentation allows the complex airflow management function to be divided into simpler, modular components that are easier to install and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
Airfoils with curved, aerodynamic shapes are used to efficiently disrupt and redirect airflow. The curved geometry of the airfoils naturally guides wind flow along smooth paths, reducing turbulence and flapping while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If airfoils are positioned at specific angles and orientations, then airflow disruption effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil system utilizes specific geometric parameters (curvature, angle, length) that have been optimized for airflow disruption. By standardizing these parameters across multiple airfoils, the system achieves effective airflow management while reducing the need for custom precision manufacturing of each individual airfoil.
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 airfoil system significantly reduces awning fabric flapping during windy conditions by disrupting airflow, minimizing damage and noise, and providing effective shelter from sun and rain.
Implementation Method 1
an awning airfoil system provided herein can include airfoils attached above and below an awning to spoil airflow on both sides of the awning
Implementation Method 2
Some embodiments of an awning airfoil system provided herein can spoil airflow so as to reduce flapping of awning fabric
Data Source
AI summary
This document provides an apparatus including an awning fastener configured for attaching to an awning. The apparatus can further include a first airfoil connected to the awning fastener. The apparatus can further include a second airfoil connected to the awning fastener and positioned opposite of the first airfoil such that the first and second airfoils are positionable on opposite sides of the awning when the awning fastener is connected to the awning.