Awning Support Pole Rotatable Mounting Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional support systems for awnings on boats and other applications have issues with installation stability, space utilization, and water accumulation, requiring large holes and complex drainage systems, which are impractical and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A support system with a tubular pole and connecting element that allows for removable and rotatable attachment to an anchoring surface using a threaded pivot and locking mechanism, minimizing space requirements and eliminating water accumulation by sealing the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cup-shaped support element with large internal diameter is used to ensure stable pole support, then the pole can be securely held and rotated, but large holes must be made in the deck and water accumulates inside the support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flange with sealing elements (gaskets or O-rings) that create a waterproof barrier between the support element and the deck opening. This sealing mechanism prevents water from entering the hollow interior of the support element while maintaining the structural integrity and rotational capability of the pole connection.
2Reliability
If a deep support element is used to ensure stable pole support, then the pole can be securely anchored, but it interferes with underlying furnishings and requires more space below the deck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the anchoring function across two dimensions: a wide flange that spreads the load over a large area of the deck surface, and a shallower vertical profile. This dimensional redistribution allows the support to be stable without requiring excessive depth, thereby avoiding interference with underlying furnishings.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is segmented into distinct functional parts: a wide flange for load distribution and anchoring, a reduced-depth cylindrical body for pole reception, and a flanged portion for connection. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the others, achieving stability with minimal depth.
3Ease of operation
If a large internal diameter support element is used to accommodate the pole, then the pole can be freely inserted and removed, but it requires large holes in the deck and increases water accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flange with integrated gaskets or O-rings creates a waterproof seal around the pole opening. This allows the support element to have sufficient internal diameter for easy pole insertion and removal while the seal prevents water from entering through the deck opening, effectively decoupling the operational clearance requirement from the hole size requirement.
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 system enables easy, space-efficient installation and maintenance, allowing for nearly 360° rotation of the pole for proper awning tensioning, while preventing water ingress and reducing the need for large holes, making it suitable for various applications with minimal modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded central seat is engaged by a threaded pivot which extends for at least a portion outside the connection element, through the flanged portion
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A support system (1) comprises a support element (2) configured to be connected to an anchoring surface (3), a pole (4), a connecting element (5) rotatably engaged at a bottom end of the pole (4), wherein the connecting element (5) is configured to connect, in a removable way, the pole (4) to the support element (2), wherein the support system (1) comprises a retaining element (16) configured to connect the pole (4) and the connecting element (5) in such a way that the pole (4) is constrained to the connecting element (5) along a longitudinal axis (9) and is selectively rotatable with respect to the connecting element (5) about the longitudinal axis (9).