Awning Arm Pivoting Support with Locking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing awning device locking mechanisms are complex, bulky, and hinder adjustment of the awning's inclination due to their design, requiring significant space and preventing access to adjustable stops when locked, limiting the ability to adjust the awning's position while it is unfolded.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting support assembly with a locking device that includes a locking member movable between inactive and locking positions, allowing it to be inserted into a circumferential groove of an adjustable stop without interfering with the stop's grip element, enabling adjustment of the awning's inclination even when locked, using a rod with an outer thread and a stop head with a circumferential groove and grip element, and a mobile pin with a bell mouth to facilitate rotation and prevent axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member is arranged on one side of the adjustable stop opposite the arm to prevent movement towards retracted position, then the locking function is achieved, but the construction becomes complex and requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is positioned on the same side of the adjustable stop as the arm, rather than on the opposite side. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the required space and simplifies the construction by eliminating the need for a bridging connecting rod, while maintaining the locking function through the cam mechanism that engages with the locking member's engagement surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the locking member block access to the adjustable stop from the opposite side, the design inverts the arrangement by placing the locking member on the same side as the arm, allowing the grip element to remain accessible for adjustment while the locking function is performed through the cam's interaction with the locking member.
2Reliability
If a fork-shaped locking member is used to lock the adjustable stop, then the locking function is achieved, but the locking member becomes bulky and requires a long guiding channel
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into distinct functional elements: a body portion with a cam mechanism for actuation and an engagement surface for locking, and a separate grip element on the adjustable stop for adjustment. This segmentation allows the locking function to be performed by a more compact structure rather than a bulky fork-shaped design, reducing the volume and eliminating the need for a long guiding channel.
3Reliability
If the locking member is positioned to lock the adjustable stop, then the pivoting body is secured in service position, but the locking member hinders access to the stop member for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The design separates the locking function and adjustment function spatially by positioning the locking member on the same side as the arm, allowing the grip element to remain accessible from the arm side for adjustment operations. The cam mechanism provides the locking action through a different spatial arrangement, enabling both locking and adjustment to be performed without interference from opposite sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the arm's movement and the locking member's engagement with the adjustable stop. As the arm moves, the cam translates this motion into the locking or unlocking of the adjustable stop, allowing adjustment to be performed on the grip element without the locking member blocking access, while still providing secure positioning when locked.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The support assembly comprises a fixed support (10), a pivoting body (20) articulately supported on said fixed support (10) to pivot between a retracted position and a service position, an arm (30) articulately supported on said pivoting body (20) to rotate between a folded position and an extended position, and an adjustable stop (40) for limiting the movement of the pivoting body (20), thus determining the degree of inclination of the awning in the service position. The adjustable stop (40) has a circumferential groove (43) and a grip element (44). A locking member (50), which is moved by the arm (30) to a locking position, is inserted into said circumferential groove (43) such that said grip element (44) is accessible and the adjustable stop (40) can be rotated but cannot be axially moved with respect to the pivoting body (20).