Anti-billow Awning Locking Mechanism Prevents Unspooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional awning systems lack enhanced safety features to prevent unspooling due to wind or road dynamics, which can lead to hazardous conditions, especially when attached to moving vehicles, and require complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
An anti-billow awning assembly with a rolling assembly, lock bearing, and end cap system that transitions between unlocked and locked modes, using a rotatable connection and teeth-lock mechanism to prevent unspooling, eliminating the need for additional structural interfaces and ensuring secure attachment to the support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional awning systems use strike plates and interfacing locks mounted on the supporting structure, then the awning can be locked in place, but the system requires additional structural interfaces and complex installation adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the strike plate and interfacing lock components from the supporting structure, extracting the problematic structural interfaces. The locking function is achieved through an internal mechanism within the rolling assembly that engages with the canopy itself, eliminating the need for external mounting structures and complex installation adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged into the rolling assembly itself, combining the locking function with the existing rolling mechanism. The lock bearing and lock components are integrated within the rolling assembly, eliminating the need for separate strike plates and interfacing locks mounted on the supporting structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional awning systems use adjustable lock lengths dependent on installer skill, then the system can accommodate different installations, but the installation process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling assembly automatically adjusts and positions the lock bearing to engage with the lock at the correct position. The mechanism self-regulates through its internal geometry and motion constraints, eliminating the need for installer judgment and manual adjustment of lock lengths. The system serves itself by using the rolling motion to naturally position the locking components.
3Device complexity
If conventional awning systems lack anti-billow features, then the structure remains simple, but the awning can unspool during wind or road dynamics creating hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bearing and lock components are positioned to engage before wind forces can cause significant unspooling. The mechanism proactively prevents the harmful effect by establishing mechanical engagement that resists wind-induced billowing forces, rather than reacting after unspooling occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling assembly utilizes the natural curvature and rotation of the rolled-up canopy to achieve locking. The lock bearing engages with the lock at a specific position in the rolling cycle, using the curved geometry of the rolled canopy to ensure proper engagement timing and force distribution during windy conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An awning assembly and method is provided that includes an awning connection system coupling an awning canopy to a support structure. The awning connection system comprises a rolling assembly operably connected to the awning canopy, a lock bearing coupled to the rolling assembly, and an end cap, comprising a lock, coupled to the rolling assembly. Wherein, the rolling assembly comprises an unlocked mode, wherein the lock bearing is free from contact with the lock, and a locked mode, wherein the lock bearing is in contact with the lock.