Retractable Awning Asymmetric Foldable Arm Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable awnings face challenges in expanding the shaded area without interfering with each other's retraction, particularly when mounted on narrow windows, as the existing mechanisms require synchronous folding of arms, which limits their use in various settings.
Innovation Solution
The design introduces a canopy frame with non-synchronous folding arms, where the first foldable arm begins to fold before the second, allowing for a staggered retraction mechanism that enables the awning to expand the shaded area and fold more compactly, accommodating restricted spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the awning is mounted on a narrow window to expand the shaded area, then the adaptability is improved, but the arms will interfere with each other during retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the inner portions of the first and second foldable arms unequal in length. Specifically, the first inner portion has a different length than the second inner portion, which allows the arms to retract in a non-synchronous manner. This asymmetric design prevents the arms from interfering with each other during retraction while still enabling the awning to be mounted on narrow windows and expand the shaded area effectively.
2Area of stationary object
If the arms are made longer to increase the shaded area, then the area is improved, but the retraction mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each foldable arm into distinct segments: an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portions of the first and second arms are unequal in length, while the outer portions remain equal. This segmented design allows the arms to be longer for increased shaded area while maintaining a relatively simple retraction mechanism through non-synchronous folding action.
3Ease of manufacture
If synchronous folding is used to simplify the mechanism, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the arms cannot retract properly when extended beyond roller tube length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing asymmetry in the inner portions of the foldable arms. The first inner portion has a different length than the second inner portion, which causes the arms to fold non-synchronously. This asymmetric configuration maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable retraction even when the arms are extended beyond the roller tube length, as the staggered folding prevents interference between the arms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An awning (10) is provided that includes a canopy (14). The awning includes a canopy frame (26). The canopy frame includes an inner member (30)configured to be mounted to an upright support such as an exterior wall. The canopy frame also includes a first foldable arm (38) and a second foldable arm (42). Each of the arms includes an inner portion (46,50)coupled with the inner member and an outer portion. The canopy frame also includes an outer member (62) coupled with the outer portions (54, 58) of each of the first and second foldable arms. The canopy frame is configured such that upon initial retraction of the canopy, the first foldable arm begins folding prior to the second foldable arm.