Electric Awning Louver Sag Prevention via Segmented Frame Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric awning structures face issues with louver sagging due to weight and poor structural strength, leading to deformation and easy detachment from the supporting structure, especially when louvers are long.

Innovation Solution

An electric awning structure featuring a supporting frame with standing columns and crossbeams, secured louvers connected via louver securing members and driving plates, powered by a solar panel system that includes a power storage device, control device, and pulling mechanism to maintain structural integrity and facilitate remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If conventional louver structures are used with long lengths, then the covering area is increased, but the louver midsection sags due to weight causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelouver lengthVSAvoidlouver deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the louver into multiple segments with louver sections connected by articulation points. This segmentation allows each section to support less weight independently, preventing midsection sagging and deformation while maintaining the ability to achieve long overall coverage when extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structural design combining louver sections, securing members, and driving structures with different mechanical properties. This composite approach enhances overall structural strength and rigidity to prevent deformation in long louvers while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional louver securing methods are used, then the assembly is simplified, but the louver detaches easily from the supporting structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidlouver attachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the louver securing function with the driving structure by integrating securing members that simultaneously perform both attachment and actuation functions. This combination ensures reliable attachment while maintaining operational simplicity through unified structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate connecting elements such as articulation pivots and securing members that act as mediators between the louver sections and the supporting structure. These intermediaries distribute mechanical loads and provide multiple attachment points, enhancing reliability while preserving assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual operation mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational convenience and control precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the louver structure utilizes its own weight and integrated securing members to automatically position and secure itself during operation. This reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining operational convenience through automated positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical control systems with simplified actuation mechanisms that use electrical motors and control devices. This substitution maintains ease of operation through remote or automated control while reducing mechanical complexity by eliminating intricate linkages and manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhanced structural design and solar-powered operation improve durability by preventing louver sagging and enhancing the structural strength, ensuring the louvers remain securely attached and operational, even with longer lengths.

Implementation Method 1

at least one solar panel (16) installed on the crossbeam (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4039906B1Electric awning structure
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 YUYANG PC IND CO LTD
  • EP4039906B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4039906B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4039906B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electric awning structure has a supporting structure, a plurality of louvers, a plurality of louver securing members and a plurality of driving plates. The supporting structure has the plurality of standing columns, and at least four crossbeams to form a frame above the standing columns. The supporting structure is equipped with at least one power storage device and a control device, and the louver securing members are secured to the louvers so that the louvers are pivoted between the two crossbeams. The plurality of louver securing members are connected to the driving plate, and each the driving plate is connected to each driving member. The solar panel is connected to the power storage device which is connected to the control device, and the control device is connected to a pulling device set on the crossbeam and having a pull bar connected to the driving member.