Awning Assembly Spring Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and number of parts in existing awning assembly installations lead to confusion and incorrect installation, making it desirable to reduce the number of components and simplify the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
An awning assembly featuring a motor or drive with a driveshaft, an awning roller tube, and an end cap with a keyway, utilizing a spring with wings to lock the motor or drive in position without the need for tools, reducing the requirement for fasteners and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fasteners (rivets, nuts and bolts, self-tapping screws) are used to connect components, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated spring mechanism. The spring assembly simultaneously provides connection, positioning, and locking functions that previously required separate rivets, nuts, bolts, and self-tapping screws, thereby reducing part count while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is designed to self-lock and self-position the motor assembly relative to the awning roller tube. The spring's elastic deformation automatically engages with the hub and keyway features, providing reliable connection without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures.
2Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to connect components, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically positions and locks the motor assembly without requiring tools or complex assembly steps. The spring's elastic properties enable it to self-engage with the hub and keyway features, providing strong connection while dramatically simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring's elastic deformation parameter allows it to adapt to slight variations in assembly tolerances. By utilizing elastic compression and expansion, the spring maintains strong connection strength while accommodating manufacturing variations, eliminating the need for precise alignment procedures required by traditional fasteners.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners and components are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation during installation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism performs the fastening operation automatically as the motor assembly is inserted into position. The spring's elastic deformation and engagement with the hub and keyway features occur automatically during installation, eliminating the need for installers to manually fasten multiple components and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed during manufacturing to a specific deformation state that enables automatic engagement during installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the motor assembly is inserted, the spring automatically engages with the hub and keyway features without requiring additional operational steps.
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 allows for easier and less error-prone assembly of awnings by eliminating the need for multiple fasteners and reducing the complexity of installations, ensuring the motor or drive is securely locked in place without damage to the awning components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring engaging one of the end cap or the awning roller tube to unremovably lock the motor or drive in position relative to said awning roller tube and end cap
Data Source
AI summary
An awning assembly is provided which provides a push and lock assembly thereby removing the need for additional fastening structures. This also provides for improved assembly of the structures.