Folding-Arm Awning Drive Bearing Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated arm awnings face challenges in achieving a flat retracted design, simplicity, and smooth movement during retraction, with existing solutions often resulting in complex mechanisms and noise.
Innovation Solution
A bearing for the drive or motor is directly connected to the holding device, allowing for automatic pivoting, and a cover overlaps the recess, enabling adjustable tilting mechanisms and a torque limiting device for smooth retraction, along with a roll-up safety device for wind protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional mounting structure with separate bearing and drive components is used, then the awning mechanism is robust, but the retracted design becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing for the drive motor is directly connected to the holding device, merging previously separate components (bearing, drive motor mounting, and holding device) into an integrated assembly. This eliminates intermediate mounting structures and reduces the overall bulk when retracted, achieving a flatter design while simplifying the structural arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device serves multiple functions: it holds the awning structure, provides mounting for the drive motor bearing, and enables pivoting movement. By making the holding device multi-functional, fewer separate components are needed, reducing complexity and achieving a more compact retracted profile.
2Ease of operation
If a complex tilting mechanism is used to enable automatic pivoting, then the movement sequence is smooth, but the structure becomes more complex and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arms and drop profile pivot down automatically following gravity without requiring an active tilting mechanism. The bearing's direct connection to the holding device enables this passive, self-service pivoting action, eliminating complex actuators and reducing noise while maintaining smooth movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Gravity acts as a counterweight force that naturally facilitates the pivoting movement of the articulated arms during retraction. By designing the bearing connection to leverage gravitational force, the system achieves smooth automatic pivoting without additional mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If the awning lacks a wind protection mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but wind-related lifting occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
A roll-up safety device is provided as a separate, extractable component that can be deployed when needed and retracted when not needed. This allows the basic awning structure to remain simple while adding wind protection capability on demand, preventing wind-related lifting without permanently complicating the structure.
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 solution results in a harmonious, low-noise retraction movement and prevents wind-related lifting, achieving a simpler and more efficient awning operation.
Implementation Method 1
the articulated arms and drop profile can pivot down to an adjustable angle following gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A folding-arm awning comprises two brackets (1) for supporting a fabric roller (33) and a drive (16') for it, as well as side panels (5) arranged on the brackets (1), each side panel (5) having a bearing (6) for one folding arm (22). Each side panel (5) also has a projection (12) that passes through a recess (13) of the associated holding device (1). To achieve an automatic pivoting movement, a bearing (26) for the drive (16') is directly connected to the holding device (1), in particular by screws, and a stop (7, 31) is provided for a pivoting movement of the folding arms (22) upwards.