Segmented Awning Ceiling Boards for Adjustable Shading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing awnings with fixed ceiling structures fail to adjust sun shading areas according to user preferences, leading to inadequate ventilation and sunlight control in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling structure for awnings comprising a pergola and three slide-connected ceiling boards that form a sequentially stepped slope, allowing for flexible adjustment and expansion, with magnetic connections and drainage grooves for easy operation and water management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed ceiling board structure is used, then the manufacturing and installation are simple, but the sun shading area cannot be adjusted according to user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of sun shading areaVSAvoidcomplexity of ceiling board structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling board is divided into multiple independent sections (first ceiling board, second ceiling board, third ceiling board) that can be separately adjusted. Each section can be independently positioned to create different sun shading configurations, transforming a fixed monolithic structure into a flexible segmented system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ceiling board structure transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic adjustable system. The sliding mechanisms enable the ceiling boards to move along the pergola, allowing users to dynamically adjust the sun shading area according to changing environmental conditions and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a fixed ceiling board structure is used, then the structure is stable and simple, but ventilation is insufficient in extreme temperature conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation controlVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling board system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through sliding mechanisms, enabling users to modify the configuration for optimal ventilation during hot weather while maintaining structural stability through the pergola framework and magnetic connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If slide-connected ceiling boards are used, then the sun shading area can be adjusted, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in sun shading adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of sliding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with magnetic connection parts. The magnetic parts provide automatic attachment and detachment of ceiling boards to the pergola, eliminating the need for screws, bolts, or other complex mechanical fasteners while maintaining secure connections during adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If multiple ceiling boards are stacked for adjustment, then ventilation is improved, but water management becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveventilationVSAvoidwater drainage system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage system is segmented with separate drainage holes in each ceiling board and corresponding drainage channels in the pergola structure. This segmented approach allows water to be efficiently channeled through each layer independently, preventing water accumulation even when multiple boards are stacked in adjusted positions.

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

The awning provides enhanced flexibility in sun shading area adjustment, improved ventilation, and effective water management, enhancing user experience and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

the ceiling board one and the top horizontal tube are connected through magnetic part one and magnetic part two... the ceiling board two and the top horizontal tube are connected through magnetic part three and magnetic part four

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

said ceiling board one's bottom end is slide connected to said slide one, said ceiling board two's bottom end is slide connected to said slide two

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3239428A1An awning's ceiling structure
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 ZHEJIANG YOTRIO GRP CO LTD
  • EP3239428A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3239428A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3239428A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an awning's ceiling structure including a pergola (1), a ceiling board one (2) which is connected to said pergola (1), a ceiling board two (3) and a ceiling board three (4). Ceiling board one (2), ceiling board two (3) and ceiling board three (4) can form a sequentially stepped downward slope. Ceiling board two (3) and ceiling board three (4) are slide connected to the pergola (1), and can be successively stacked underneath ceiling board one (2) after sliding. Ceiling board one (2) is slide connected to the pergola (1), and can be successively stacked above ceiling board two (3) after sliding.