Awning Guide Rail Height Adjustment for Rainwater Runoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing awnings lack variability in the inclination of their guide rails, which limits their effectiveness in managing rainwater runoff and adapting to changing sun positions, and can introduce stresses when the fabric is lowered unevenly.
Innovation Solution
The awning features height-adjustable guide rails with coupling elements that allow the front and rear ends of the guide rails to be moved along supports, enabling variable inclination and stability adjustments, with the option for rear ends to be pivotably attached or moved along rear supports for enhanced adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the guide rails are fixed in inclination, then the structure is simple and stable, but the awning cannot adapt to changing sun positions or manage rainwater runoff effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are designed with height-adjustable coupling elements that allow the inclination of the guide rails to be changed dynamically. The coupling elements can move relative to the guide rails and supports, enabling the system to adapt from a fixed inclination to variable inclinations based on sun position and rainwater management needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail system is divided into segments that can be independently adjusted. The coupling elements are separated from the guide rails and supports, allowing independent movement and adjustment of each segment. This segmentation enables the inclination to be modified without affecting the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fabric is lowered on one side to adjust inclination, then the awning can be positioned at different angles, but considerable stress is introduced into the shading system and supports
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lowering the fabric on one side to adjust inclination, the system uses height-adjustable coupling elements that move along the supports to change the inclination. This dynamic adjustment mechanism distributes the stress evenly across the entire shading system and supports, avoiding the concentrated stress that would result from uneven lowering.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements act as intermediaries between the guide rails and the supports. They provide a mechanism for adjusting the inclination without directly transmitting the full weight and stress of the fabric to any single point in the shading system, thereby reducing stress on the supports and fabric.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the front ends of the guide rails are fixed on the front supports, then the installation is simple, but the inclination of the guide rails cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed to be movable both relative to the guide rails and relative to the front supports. This dynamic design allows the front ends of the guide rails to be adjusted in height along the supports during installation and operation, enabling variable inclination without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements serve multiple functions: they connect the guide rails to the supports, enable height adjustment, and provide structural stability. This multi-functionality allows the same component to achieve variable inclination while maintaining ease of installation and operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an awning with a rotatably mounted fabric roller from which a fabric (2) can be unwound, the front end of which is attached to an extension profile (3), wherein the extension profile (3) is guided movably on guide rails (4, 5) in the extension direction and wherein the front ends of the guide rails (4, 5) in the extension direction of the fabric (2) are supported directly or indirectly by front supports (6, 7), wherein the front ends of the guide rails (4, 5) are movable in a height-variable manner along the front supports (6, 7) and/or that the rear ends of the guide rails (4, 5) are movable in a height-variable manner along rear supports (9).