Awning Base Profile Segmentation for Reduced Moment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing awning structures face challenges in reducing horizontal projection and moment on fixing plates, with complex designs that compromise ease of assembly and aesthetics, particularly when dealing with smooth walls and facades with pillars.
Innovation Solution
A modular awning structure featuring a canvas winder, articulated arms, fixing brackets, and a continuous base profile with a vertical section longer than horizontal, allowing for staggered assembly and reduced horizontal extension, with a reel housing supported above the base section and a pull-up bar that covers the arms in the retracted position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the base profile accommodates the winder and provides multiple functions, then the structure can be integrated, but the horizontal extension and moment on fixing plates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the base profile into separate functional segments: a first base portion for structural support and fixing, and a second base portion for winder accommodation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, reducing the overall horizontal extension while maintaining integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement by positioning the winder above the base profile rather than extending it horizontally. This dimensional change reduces the horizontal projection of the structure while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Device complexity
If the base profile is extended horizontally to accommodate the winder, then the winder can be integrated, but the moment on fixing plates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base profile into a first base portion that provides structural support and a second base portion that accommodates the winder. This segmentation allows the winder to be integrated vertically above the support portion, reducing the horizontal lever arm and thereby decreasing the moment on fixing plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the winder from a horizontal extension to a vertical position above the base profile. This dimensional change moves the winder's center of gravity closer to the fixing plates, reducing the rotational moment while maintaining integration.
3Ease of operation
If a continuous base profile supports multiple functions, then assembly can be simplified, but the design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous base profile into distinct first and second portions with different functions. This segmentation simplifies the design of each portion while maintaining the continuity and ease of assembly of the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different design qualities to different portions of the base profile: the first base portion is designed for structural support and fixing, while the second base portion is designed for winder accommodation. This local differentiation simplifies each portion's design while maintaining overall integration.
4Ease of operation
If the structure is arranged horizontally, then assembly is straightforward, but the projection in horizontal dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement by positioning the winder above the base profile. This dimensional change significantly reduces the horizontal projection while maintaining assembly straightforwardness through the continuous base profile design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A blind structure comprising an assembly with shading elements, a substructure for supporting the shading elements having a rear profile intended to be fixed to a wall or pillars, comprising means for fixing the rear profile to the wall or pillars, wherein the fixing means comprise fixing plates for the assembly to a wall or pillars having an upward-facing fixing hook, the rear profile having a portion having a shape complementary to the fixing hooks, so that the fixing plates can be located at different points on the rear profile.