Residential Awning Canopy Assembly with Motorized Shade System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional awning assemblies have prominent multi-component arm connectors that are visually distracting and lack efficient mechanisms for autonomous operation, requiring manual adjustment and lacking integrated sensors for environmental monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A residential awning canopy assembly with a motorized shade system featuring a torsion spring and gas springs for balanced extension and retraction, coupled with a status monitoring system that includes sensors for environmental conditions and a one-way drive mechanism for autonomous operation, allowing for remote control and enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional multi-component arm connectors are used, then the awning structure is stable, but the connectors are visually prominent and distracting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional multi-component arm connectors from the visible field of view by repositioning them within the housing structure. The connectors are extracted from their conventional external locations and integrated into the housing, making them invisible from the user's perspective while maintaining structural functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The arm connectors are nested within the housing structure rather than being externally mounted. The connectors are positioned inside the housing cavity, with only their functional interfaces extending outward, creating a compact integrated assembly that eliminates visual prominence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Extent of automation

If traditional awning assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but manual adjustment is required and autonomous operation is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The awning assembly incorporates sensors that autonomously detect environmental conditions (such as rainfall, wind speed, or sunlight intensity) and automatically actuate the motorized mechanism to adjust the awning position without requiring manual user intervention. The system serves itself by sensing and responding to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electric motorized system controlled by sensors and a microcontroller. The mechanical operation is substituted with an automated electromechanical system that uses sensors to detect conditions and electronically controls the motor to perform the adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional awning assemblies are used, then the structure is straightforward, but environmental monitoring capability is absent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed to detect multiple environmental parameters (rainfall, wind speed, temperature, humidity) using a single integrated sensor assembly. This multi-functional sensor system provides comprehensive environmental monitoring and adaptation capabilities while avoiding the need for separate specialized sensors for each condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system provides a visually appealing and functional awning with reduced manual intervention, offering improved comfort and protection while enabling autonomous operation and environmental adaptation, enhancing user experience and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

A residential awning canopy assembly with a motorized shade system featuring a torsion spring and gas springs for balanced extension and retraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

first and second gas springs are coupled to the first and second spring arms, respectively. The first and second gas spring bias the lead rail toward the extended position by applying a first force to the lead rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10316522B2Residential awning canopy assembly

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 CAREFREE CO

AI summary

An awning is disclosed. The awning comprises a case assembly comprising a housing, configured to be mounted to a dwelling, and a lead rail, a roller assembly mounted in the case assembly and including a roll tube rotatable relative to the case assembly, a lead rail assembly coupled to the lead rail, the lead rail assembly movable relative to the housing between an extended position and a retracted position, a canopy having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being connected to the lead rail assembly and the trailing edge being connected to the roll tube, and a spring arm assembly connecting the housing of the case assembly to the lead rail, the spring arms including a first arm and a second arm pivotable relative to one another, the spring arm assembly allowing the lead rail assembly to move between the extended position and the retracted position.