Awning Canopy Assembly With Nested Scissor Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional awning structures are bulky and lack compactness while maintaining strength in the extended position, which complicates storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
The awning assembly features a unique support system with C-shaped channels and slots that allow for a compact design, incorporating a vertical track, pivotally and rotatably connected members, and a gas spring for efficient extension and retraction, reducing bulkiness and enhancing strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional awning structures are used, then the awning provides sufficient strength and support, but the structure becomes bulky and difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor linkage members are designed to nest within each other when the awning is retracted, with the second scissor linkage member positioned inside the first scissor linkage member. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the volume occupied by the awning structure during storage and transport while maintaining structural integrity when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The awning employs a dynamic scissor linkage mechanism with pivotally connected members that allow the structure to transform between extended and retracted configurations. The rotatably connected support members enable smooth transitions between states, optimizing both strength during use and compactness during storage.
2Volume of moving object
If the awning structure is made more compact, then storage and transportation become easier, but the strength and support in the extended position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The awning structure is divided into multiple segmented scissor linkage members with distinct functional zones. The first and second scissor linkages are segmented and connected through pivotal joints, allowing each segment to contribute to both compactness when retracted and structural strength when extended. The segmentation enables the structure to achieve both contradictory requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor linkage members utilize composite construction combining rigid materials for structural strength with strategically placed flexible or dampening elements. This composite approach maintains strength requirements while enabling the compact nested configuration during storage, resolving the contradiction between strength and compactness.
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 provides a more compact and stronger awning assembly that is easier to store and transport, with a smoother operation and reduced part count, minimizing the risk of breakage during use and transport.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a vertical track, pivotally and rotatably connected members, and a gas spring for efficient extension and retraction
Data Source
AI summary
An awning assembly and method of construction that includes a first main member rotatably coupled to a vertical track at a first end of the first main member; a second main member pivotally coupled to and at a second end of the first main member; a first supplemental member rotatably and slidably connected to the vertical track at a first end of the first supplemental member; a second supplemental member having a first end pivotally coupled to and at a second end of the first supplemental member. The second supplemental member has a second end pivotally coupled to the second main member. The first main member includes first, second, and third cross-sections spaced the second cross-section comprising slot that allows for the passage of the first supplemental member through the first main member, wherein the first cross-section differs from the second cross-section.