Awning Roll Support Device with Sliding Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing awning and sunshade support mechanisms suffer from localized friction, premature wear, and reduced support as the roll diameter changes, leading to increased unrolling resistance and maintenance challenges due to dirt accumulation and complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a sliding surface and pressure means, such as a bent leaf spring, provides consistent support across varying roll diameters, using self-lubricating materials and a pivotally connected flat or curved plate to distribute forces evenly and prevent sagging, with no moving parts beyond a hinge point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a small roller is used to support the roll locally, then the roll is supported at a fixed point preventing sag, but friction forces are locally concentrated causing premature wear and damage to the canvas
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from a single point contact to a distributed linear contact along the roll. The support element extends parallel to the roll axis, creating multiple contact points that distribute the friction force throughout the canvas width, preventing localized wear while maintaining roll stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism transitions from a zero-dimensional point contact (small roller) to a one-dimensional linear contact (support element extending along the roll). This dimensional change distributes the support force and friction across a longer area, reducing pressure and wear at any single location on the canvas.
2Reliability
If a support roller is attached at a fixed height, then it offers maximum support when the roll is fully wound, but the support is reduced or disappears as the canvas is unwound and the roll diameter decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is made pivotally connectable to the suspension structure, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and angle as the roll diameter changes during unwinding. This dynamic adaptation maintains effective support contact throughout the entire operating range of the awning.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism allows changes in geometric parameters (position, angle, contact point) in response to changes in roll diameter. As the canvas unwinds and the roll becomes smaller, the support element adjusts its configuration to maintain optimal support effectiveness throughout the motion range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the roll is rotatably mounted but must also move horizontally to accommodate canvas tension, then the construction becomes more complex requiring regular maintenance and lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is integrated with the suspension structure through pivotal connection, combining the support function with the existing suspension mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate horizontal movement mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining the necessary adaptability for canvas tension accommodation.
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
This solution maintains consistent support and reduces wear, eliminates the need for lubrication, and simplifies maintenance while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design by using self-lubricating materials and a simple, cost-effective construction.
Implementation Method 1
a bent leaf spring, provides consistent support across varying roll diameters
Implementation Method 2
using self-lubricating materials and a pivotally connected flat or curved plate to distribute forces evenly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Awning, sunblind or similar in which a roll (16) is provided comprising a rotatably suspended shaft (17) and canvas (18) wound around it, in which the roll (16) is supported by at least one support device (1), characterised in that the support device (1) functionally comprises at least a support element (2) fitted with a sliding surface (4) and a pressure means to press the support element (2) against the roll (16) with a supporting force.