Awning Arm Asymmetrical Profiles Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing articulated arms for awnings lack structural improvements for compactness and safety, particularly in terms of space optimization and risk of tensioning means breakage during assembly and transport, which can lead to injuries.

Innovation Solution

The articulated arm features asymmetrical profiles with a convex and concave design, incorporating a spring, flexible strip, hook, and bolt tensioning means, along with metallic safety covers and trims to prevent component ejection and enhance structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional symmetrical profiles are used for articulated arms, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the arm cannot compact effectively in the closed position and occupies excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied by the armVSAvoidprofile configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing the articulated arm with non-symmetrical profiles where one profile has a convex shape and the other has a concave shape. This asymmetric configuration allows the profiles to nest within each other when the arm is in the closed position, significantly reducing the space occupied by the arm while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If plastic covers are used for safety protection, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the covers deteriorate quickly and fail to prevent component ejection effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety cover effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining metallic safety covers and trims with the existing profile structure. The metallic covers provide enhanced durability, strength, and resistance to deterioration compared to plastic alternatives, while still being integrable into the overall manufacturing process. This composite approach ensures reliable protection against component ejection while maintaining reasonable manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the tensioning means are secured firmly in the arm, then the risk of breakage during handling is reduced, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning means securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-securing the tensioning means within the profile structure during manufacturing. The tensioning means are positioned and fixed in advance within the hollow section of the profile, ensuring they are properly secured before the product reaches the customer. This preliminary securing reduces the risk of breakage during handling and transport while minimizing assembly complexity for the end user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables a compact, aesthetically improved arm that maintains tension while preventing component ejection upon breakage, ensuring safety and optimizing space usage.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating tensing means in the interior of the rear profile, which bend to maintain the profiles open

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3073024B1Arm for awnings
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 GAVIOTA SIMBAC
  • EP3073024B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073024B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3073024B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Arm for awnings relating to an arm of the type formed by two profiles ((2),(3)) articulated with respect to each other and which has internal means for the tension between the latter, bending to maintain it in an open position, with the particularity that said arm has an improved structural configuration, with respect to other known systems, and which provides the arm with technical advantages, the asymmetry of the profiles standing out in particular, one concave and another convex, which allows the arm to compact in the closed position and save space.