Electric Awning Louver Structural Integrity via Segmented Locking
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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-based system that includes a power storage device, control device, and pulling mechanism to maintain structural integrity and facilitate remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional louver structures are used with simple securing members, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural strength and reliability deteriorate, causing louver sagging and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The louver structure is divided into multiple components: louver body, louver securing members, driving plates, and connecting members. Each component has a specific function, with the securing members attached to the louver body and the driving plates connected to the securing members through connecting members, creating a segmented but integrated system that enhances overall strength while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The louver securing members and driving plates are merged into a single integrated assembly that is pivotally connected to the supporting structure. This merging allows the securing members and driving plates to work together as a unified mechanism, improving structural strength and reliability without requiring separate complex systems for each function
2Area of moving object
If long louvers are used to increase coverage area, then the area of the awning is improved, but the weight and structural load increase, causing midsection sagging and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The long louver is segmented into multiple sections connected by connecting members between the louver securing members and driving plates. This segmentation allows the long louver to be supported at multiple points along its length, preventing midsection sagging and deformation while maintaining the large coverage area needed for effective sun protection
Solution Approach 2:
The louver structure incorporates vertical support elements and pivoting mechanisms that add dimensional stability. The connecting members and securing members create a three-dimensional framework that reinforces the louver against gravitational sagging, allowing long louvers to maintain their shape while providing extensive coverage
3Ease of manufacture
If embedded louver structures are used for easy assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates, causing easy detachment from the supporting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The louver securing members are pre-attached to the louver body during manufacturing, creating a preliminary assembled unit. This preliminary action ensures that the securing members are properly positioned and secured to the louver before installation, improving both ease of assembly (as a pre-assembled unit) and reliability (as the connections are established under controlled manufacturing conditions rather than field installation)
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting members act as intermediaries between the louver securing members and the driving plates, and ultimately between the louver assembly and the supporting structure. These intermediary components provide reliable mechanical connection while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of the entire louver unit as a complete assembly, maintaining both ease of manufacture and high reliability
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 solution enhances the structural strength and durability of the awning by securely locking louvers to the supporting structure, reducing sagging and deformation, and allows for reliable remote operation and energy efficiency through solar power.
Implementation Method 1
solar panel connected to a power storage device
Data Source
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.