Retractable Awning Control via Acceleration Rate and Tilt Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable awnings, particularly spool-type, face challenges in determining full extension or retraction points due to lack of easily detectable stops, leading to automation difficulties in halting the extension or retraction process.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sensor and processor that calculates acceleration rate of change and tilt angle to generate stop signals when predetermined criteria are met, allowing for accurate halting of awning extension or retraction, optionally using an accelerometer and low-pass filter to refine motion parameter signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spool-type retractable awning extends by unrolling the spool of awning fabric, then the awning can be extended, but the spool does not reach an easily detectable stop when the awning reaches full extension and keeps turning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stop detection with an optical sensing system. A sensor detects the position of the awning fabric relative to the support arm, and a processor analyzes this data to determine when full extension is reached, substituting mechanical detection with optical/electronic measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the spool mechanism and the control system. The sensor acts as an intermediary that indirectly measures the spool's rotational position by detecting the awning fabric's position, providing a detectable signal for full extension without modifying the spool itself.
2Device complexity
If no stop detection mechanism is used, then the system remains simple, but the awning begins to roll back on itself when overextended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensor continuously monitors the awning's extension state and provides data to the processor. The processor compares the current position against predetermined criteria and sends stop commands when full extension is detected, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures reliable halting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predetermined stop criteria and thresholds in advance. The processor is pre-programmed with the conditions that indicate full extension, allowing the system to automatically halt before overextension occurs without requiring complex real-time decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect motion parameters, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single sensor multi-functional by configuring it to detect multiple motion parameters (position, acceleration, velocity) simultaneously. The processor analyzes different aspects of the sensor's output data to derive various motion characteristics, allowing one sensor to perform the work of multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts multiple motion parameters from a single sensor by analyzing changes in the sensor's output over time. The processor calculates acceleration from position changes, velocity from position-rate changes, and other derived parameters, transforming one measurement stream into multiple useful parameters through mathematical processing.
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
Enables efficient and automated halting of retractable awning extension or retraction at desired positions, ensuring accurate stopping without overextension or retraction, using a single movement sensor like an accelerometer.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to sense support arm acceleration along at least one support arm axis, and is configured to generate corresponding support arm acceleration signals
Implementation Method 2
the processor includes a low pass filter configured to remove noise from the motion parameter signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device for halting the extension or retraction of a retractable awning comprises a sensor coupled to a processor that commands awning extension and retraction. The sensor senses a motion parameter, such as acceleration, which is associated with extension or retraction motion of a retractable awning and generates corresponding respective extension or retraction motion parameter signals. The processor calculates an acceleration rate of change and/or a tilt angle from the motion parameter signals received from the sensor, and halts awning extension or retraction by generating and sending a stop signal when the acceleration rate of change or tilt angle meets at least one predetermined criterion.