Awning Tiltable Support Device Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing awnings with arms face issues of structural complexity, high production costs, and vulnerability to wind-induced oscillations due to complex locking mechanisms and tiltable support devices, which compromise their reliability and durability.

Innovation Solution

The awning design incorporates a rolling-shutter box fixed to the wall with a front opening, articulated arms with elastic extension means, and a tiltable support device with a locking mechanism that prevents upward rotation, utilizing a simple and cost-effective structure to adjust the tilt and secure the cloth in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex locking mechanisms and tiltable support devices are used to prevent wind-induced oscillations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to wind-induced oscillationsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex locking mechanisms to prevent upward rotation, the patent inverts the approach by using elastic extension means that naturally resist both upward and downward movements. The elastic elements are pre-tensioned to provide continuous stabilizing force, eliminating the need for mechanical locks and tiltable support devices while maintaining reliability against wind-induced oscillations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex mechanical locking mechanisms and tiltable support devices with simple, inexpensive elastic extension means. These elastic elements provide sufficient stabilization at low cost, trading off the durability of complex mechanisms for the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of elastic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Device complexity

If rigid connection pins are used to fix articulated arms to the rolling-shutter box, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability decreases due to inability to adjust vertical tilt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadjustability of vertical tilt
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid, fixed connection pins with dynamic elastic extension means that allow for adjustable vertical tilt. The elastic elements can be tensioned or relaxed to achieve different angular positions of the articulated arms, providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different installation requirements without complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables adjustment of the vertical tilt parameter by modifying the tension or length of the elastic extension means. By changing the physical state (tension, extension) of these elastic elements, the system can achieve different angular positions and adapt to various installation scenarios while keeping the overall structure simple and avoiding complex mechanical adjustment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rolling-shutter box is positioned spaced from the wall to allow rotation, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase as rain passes through the interspace

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational adjustment capabilityVSAvoidexposure to rain
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of spacing the rolling-shutter box from the wall to enable rotation, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the box to be positioned close to or against the wall. The rotational adjustment capability is achieved not by spacing but by using the elastic extension means that can accommodate angular changes without requiring clearance, thereby eliminating rain exposure through the interspace while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces elastic extension means as an intermediary between the rolling-shutter box and the articulated arms. This intermediary element allows for rotational adjustment and angular adaptation without requiring the box to be spaced from the wall, thus preventing rain from passing through the interspace while still enabling the necessary movement and positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design provides a structurally simple, cost-effective, and reliable awning that effectively protects against weathering agents and wind-induced oscillations, ensuring the awning's durability and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

carrying elastic extension means arranged for exerting, on the corresponding articulated arm, an elastic force that tends to bring the articulated arm into the extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2767648B1Awning with two rotatable articulated arms
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 GIBUS
  • EP2767648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2767648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2767648B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Awning with arms which comprises a rolling-shutter box (2) for containing a rollable cloth (3), and at least two articulated arms (10) movable between an extended position and a retracted position and connected to the rolling-shutter box (2) by means of corresponding tiltable support devices (11). Each of such support devices (11) comprises: a support body (12) fixed to the rolling-shutter box (2); a tiltable body (13) which rotatably supports the corresponding articulated arm (10) and is rotatably connected to the support body (12) in order to rotate around a first horizontal rotation axis (X) between an upper position and a lower position; an adjustment element (16) constrained to the support body (12) and provided with a stop portion (17) which is inserted in a guide (18) obtained in the tiltable body (13) and is adapted to receive in abutment an abutment portion (19) of the tiltable body (13) arranged in the lower position in order to stop the downward rotation of the latter. In addition, each support device (11) comprises a locking body (20) rotatably constrained to the tiltable body (13) in order to rotate around a second rotation axis (Y), and provided with an interception portion (21) and a control portion (22) by means of which the corresponding articulated arm (10) drives the locking body (20) in rotation between a non-interference position, in which the interception portion (21) is outside the guide (18) of the tiltable body (13) in order to allow the free passage of the stop portion (17), and an interference position, in which the interception portion (21) projects into the guide (18) of the tiltable body (13) in the lower position, and is adapted to abut against the stop portion (17) in order to prevent the rotation of the tiltable body (13) towards the upper position.