Retractable Awning Arm Joint With Split Fork Shell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulation devices for retractable awning assemblies are complex to assemble, limit design choices due to mold undercuts, and reduce strength with wide through-openings, increasing construction costs.
Innovation Solution
The articulation device comprises distinct male and female shell portions that can be easily coupled and secured, allowing for a wide choice of shapes and structures, simplified assembly, and enhanced strength through complementary engagement and rotation limitation means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the articulation device uses a single-piece male and female articulation bodies formed by molding or die-casting, then the manufacturing process is standardized, but the design choices are limited due to mold undercuts and the construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation device is divided into separate components: a male articulation body and a female articulation body with fork element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standardized processes while enabling greater design flexibility, as each piece can be optimized without the constraints of single-piece molding. The fork element can be designed with complex geometries including undercuts that would be impossible in single-piece construction.
2Ease of operation
If the fork element and articulation engagement element are designed with wide through-openings for retention elements, then assembly is simplified, but the strength of the articulation device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention elements are positioned strategically within the through-openings to provide localized reinforcement at critical stress points. The openings are sized and shaped to allow assembly while the retention elements themselves provide the necessary structural strength. This localized reinforcement approach maintains assembly simplicity while compensating for the strength reduction that would result from having through-openings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the articulation device includes multiple components (male body, female body, retention elements), then design flexibility increases, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The male articulation body and female articulation body are designed to combine into a unified articulation assembly that functions as a single mechanical unit. The retention elements are integrated into this assembly in a way that simplifies the overall construction. By merging these components into a coordinated system with standardized interfaces, the design achieves flexibility while keeping the assembly process manageable through modular integration.
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 design simplifies component formation and assembly, enhances strength, and reduces construction costs while maintaining functionality and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Said at least one longitudinal conduit is adapted to allow the mounting of tensioning means comprising an elastic element and a flexible traction element connecting the arm portion to the forearm portion
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved articulation device (10) for an articulated arm (100) for a retractable awning assembly, comprising a male articulation body (12) and a female articulation body (14) rotatably connected to each other about an articulation axis (R1) by means of respective male articulation part (16) and fork articulation part (20). The fork articulation part (20) comprises a first fork branch (201) and a second fork branch (202), and the male articulation part (16) comprises an articulation engagement element (24) engaging a space between the fork branches (201, 202). Specifically, the female articulation body (14) comprises a first female shell portion (141) and a second female shell portion (142) formed distinct and couplable to each other, wherein the first female shell portion (141) comprises the first fork branch (201) and the second female shell portion (142) comprises the second fork branch (202).