Retractable Awning Snap-Fit Connection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable awnings are structurally complex and difficult to install, requiring intricate operations for mounting cross-pieces on guides and often necessitating additional sealing measures to prevent water infiltration.
Innovation Solution
A retractable awning design featuring snap-fit connection means between slidable elements and cross-pieces, utilizing a projection and housing with a flat spring for secure engagement, allowing for easy assembly and waterproofing without complex operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connection with screw, nut, and sealing cover is used to fix carriage to cross-piece, then secure connection is achieved, but mounting operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system (screw, nut, sealing cover) with a snap-fit system consisting of a resilient pin and corresponding groove. This substitution maintains connection security through elastic engagement while dramatically simplifying the mounting operation to a single snap-action step, eliminating the need for threading and multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional threaded connection system. By removing the screw, nut, and sealing cover, and retaining only the essential connection function through the resilient pin and groove mechanism, the design achieves both secure connection and simplified operation.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing operations are performed during mounting, then waterproofing is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function and waterproofing function into a single integrated snap-fit operation. The resilient pin and groove system inherently provides both mechanical attachment and sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations and reducing installation complexity while maintaining waterproofing 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 design simplifies the installation process and ensures waterproof integrity by enabling cross-pieces to be connected along a single fitting trajectory, with automatic spring compression for secure locking and easy disengagement, maintaining structural simplicity and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a flat spring which can be compressed automatically during engagement of the projection in the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A retractable awning (1) comprises a piece of fabric (2) fixed to at least one cross-piece (5) which is movable along guide means (4), at least one element (6) which is guided slidably in the guide means (4) and which can be fixed to the cross-piece (5), and means (8) for the snap-fit connection of the slidable element to the cross-piece.