Awning Arm Articulation Geometry for Lower Tarpaulin Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulation devices for retractable awning assemblies apply high tension to the tarpaulin when in the closed position, leading to permanent deformation and reduced durability, especially when using eco-friendly materials, and require high elastic constants for reliable opening, limiting material choices and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An articulation device with a lever body and specific geometry that reduces tensioning on the tarpaulin in the closed position by optimizing the path of the flexible traction element, allowing for a lower elastic constant and concealed operation, ensuring reliable opening and reduced deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high elastic constant is used for the elastic element, then the articulated arm can be reliably opened and maintained in position, but high tension is applied to the tarpaulin when closed causing permanent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lever body as an intermediary mechanical advantage device between the elastic element and the flexible traction element. The lever body with its specific geometry (first and second arms of different lengths) acts as a mediator that transforms the high force from the elastic element into a more controlled traction force, reducing the direct tension on the tarpaulin while maintaining reliable arm opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of force transmission by introducing the lever body with specific arm length ratios. This parameter change allows the system to use a lower elastic constant while still achieving reliable opening, as the lever body provides mechanical advantage that amplifies the effect of the elastic element's force over the traction element's length.
2Reliability
If a high elastic constant is used for the elastic element, then the articulated arm maintains opening position reliably, but material selection is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lever body serves as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the requirement for high elastic constant materials. By providing mechanical advantage through its geometry, the lever body allows the use of softer, more flexible materials with lower elastic constants while still achieving reliable opening and position maintenance, thus expanding material selection options.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of the lever body changes the system's mechanical parameters, specifically the force transmission characteristics. This parameter change reduces the dependency on high elastic constant materials, allowing engineers to select from a broader range of materials including eco-friendly options with lower elastic properties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flexible traction element is completely concealed within the articulation device, then protection and cleanliness are improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the flexible traction element inside the hollow cylindrical body of the articulation device. The traction element is routed through the hollow section and anchored within the internal cavity, effectively concealing it while utilizing the existing structural space. This nesting approach provides protection and a clean appearance without requiring separate protective housings.
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 provides reduced tensioning on the tarpaulin in the closed position, enhancing durability and flexibility in material selection, while maintaining effective opening and closing functionality with lower material and construction costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, such as for example a helical spring, which is configured to generate a high return elastic force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an articulation device (10) for an articulated arm (100) for a retractable awning assembly, comprising a first (12) and a second (14) articulation element (14), a lever body (22), and a flexible element (110) fixed to the lever body (22) at an anchoring portion (22c). In an opening position, the flexible element (110) is in contact with the body (22) from the anchoring portion (22c) to a first separation point or line (L1), and in a closing position the flexible element (110) is partially wound around the outer surface (22e) from the anchoring portion (22c) to a second separation point or line (L2). The lever body (22) is configured so that a first distance (D1) of the first separation point (L1) from the articulation axis (R1) is greater than a second distance (D2) of the second separation point (L2) from the articulation axis (R1).