Awning Arms Flattened Cross-Section Vertical Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing awnings lack stability, particularly in their vertical deflection resistance, which affects the tension and compressive strength of the awning fabric.
Innovation Solution
The awning features awning arms with a flattened cross-section and a dual linkage system comprising a pivot joint and an arm swivel joint, allowing for optimal space utilization within the awning roll, enabling the arms to be arranged in a rotational position that maximizes compressive strength and minimizes vertical deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If awning arms with flattened cross-section are used, then vertical stability and resistance to deflection are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The awning arms are designed with an asymmetric flattened cross-section where one dimension is larger than the other. This asymmetric geometry creates different area moments of inertia about different axes, with the larger moment of inertia aligned vertically to maximize resistance against vertical deflection while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional properties of the awning arms are optimized locally for the specific loading conditions. The flattened shape concentrates material distribution to provide enhanced vertical stiffness where needed, rather than using a uniform circular cross-section, thereby improving local structural performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dual linkage system with swivel joint is added, then vertical stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system is segmented into distinct functional components: a pivot joint for connecting the awning arm to the roller and an additional swivel joint on the arm. This segmentation allows each joint to perform a specific function - the pivot joint provides primary support while the swivel joint enables rotational adjustment to optimize the arm's orientation for maximum vertical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual linkage system introduces dynamic adjustability through the swivel joint, allowing the awning arm to rotate around an axis parallel to its length. This dynamic capability enables the arm to be positioned in its ideal rotational orientation to prevent vertical deflection, adapting to loading conditions and improving overall stability.
3Strength
If awning arms are positioned for maximum compressive strength, then vertical deflection resistance is improved, but space utilization in roller becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel joint enables the awning arm to dynamically change its rotational position. During storage, the arm can be rotated to a compact orientation that fits efficiently within the roller's cross-sectional space. When deployed, the arm rotates to its optimal position for maximum compressive strength and vertical stability, thus reconciling the conflict between storage compactness and structural performance.
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 configuration enhances the vertical stability and tension of the awning fabric by allowing the arms to be positioned for maximum resistance to deflection, improving the overall structural integrity and usability of the awning.
Implementation Method 1
The flattened cross-section preferably creates an area moment of inertia – preferably an axial area moment of inertia – which depends on the rotational position of the awning arms, preferably such that the largest axial area moment of inertia is achieved in exactly one rotational position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4b
AI summary
Awning (100) with an awning cloth (1), with an awning roller (2) having a longitudinal extent (LR) and onto which the awning cloth (1) can be rolled up, with awning arms (3, 3') having a longitudinal extent (LA), and with awning legs (4, 4'), in which awning the awning arms (3, 3') and the awning legs (4, 4') can be stowed in the interior of the awning roller (2), wherein the awning arms (3, 3') have a flattened cross section, with a longer dimension (L) and a shorter dimension (K), wherein fastening means (5) for fastening the awning arms (3, 3') to the awning roller (2) are provided, and the fastening means (5) comprise a pivot joint (6) by means of which the awning arms (3, 3') can be pivoted relative to the awning roller (2) about a pivot axis (S), and the fastening means (5) comprise an arm rotary joint (7) by means of which the awning arms (3, 3') can be rotated about an axis of rotation (AD) parallel to their longitudinal extent (LA).