Awning Cassette Sliding Support for Quick Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing awnings require significant labor and pose safety risks during installation due to the need to support the full weight of the structure, and they lack efficient and ergonomic lighting solutions for Persons with Reduced Mobility and security purposes.

Innovation Solution

The awning is designed with a cassette and U-shaped support system that allows for easy sliding installation, reducing the installer's burden and incorporating a translucent LED-lit panel for illumination, along with a presence detector and control card for automatic lighting management, and a radio communication module for security integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the awning is fixed using traditional screw-fixing method, then the fixing strength and stability are improved, but the installation time and labor burden increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The awning is divided into two separate components: a support structure that is fixed to the wall first, and a cassette that is subsequently mounted onto the support. This segmentation allows the support to be securely anchored using traditional screw-fixing methods while the cassette can be quickly attached and detached, significantly reducing installation time and facilitating maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the awning weight is increased for structural stability, then the resistance to wind and snow loads is improved, but the installer's safety risk and labor burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstaller safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the heavy support structure (which provides structural stability) from the lighter cassette component, the design allows the support to bear the full weight and resist environmental loads while the cassette can be handled easily during installation and maintenance, eliminating the need for installers to support the entire awning weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is pre-fixed to the wall before the cassette is mounted. This preliminary action ensures that the heavy, stable component is already in place and securely anchored, so that when the cassette is subsequently attached, the installer does not need to support the full weight of the awning structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the awning includes lighting function for security and accessibility, then the utility for Persons with Reduced Mobility is improved, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for PRMVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is designed to operate periodically rather than continuously, activating automatically during evening hours or when motion is detected. This periodic operation provides necessary illumination for security and accessibility while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous lighting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting component serves multiple functions: it provides security illumination, assists Persons with Reduced Mobility by illuminating the area below the awning, and enhances the aesthetic appearance of the building. This multi-functionality justifies the added energy consumption and complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the awning is designed as a single integrated piece, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of maintenance and component access worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcomponent access
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The awning is divided into a permanently fixed support structure and a removable cassette. The support structure remains securely anchored to maintain structural integrity, while the cassette can be easily detached and replaced for maintenance or aesthetic updates, combining the benefits of structural stability with ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design facilitates quick and safe installation, provides energy-efficient and uniform lighting, enhances security, and allows for easy maintenance and aesthetic changes, addressing the needs of Persons with Reduced Mobility and improving building aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

a means for illuminating the zone situated below the awning when the latter is fixed to the facade of a building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3162978B1Awning with a cassette mounted on a sliding support and a light
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 CETIH
  • EP3162978B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3162978B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3162978B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a canopy comprising a cassette consisting of a frame onto which an outer casing and a top cover are attached. The frame has recesses extending through its thickness and opening onto the outside of the canopy at the rear. The canopy further comprises a support for fixing to a building wall using a plate. The support is equipped with two tie rods extending perpendicularly to the plane formed by the plate and sliding into the recesses. In this way, the canopy is delivered in at least two elements; the support is lightweight and easily installed by the installer. The cassette is then installed by simply sliding it into place, thus assembly is quick and prevents the installer from having to bear the full weight of the canopy. According to an improvement, the canopy can be equipped with a lighting system to illuminate the area below.