Awning Support Joint With Screw-Driven Y-Fork Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable awning supports are difficult to assemble, lack stability, and are prone to flailing in the wind, indicating a need for an improved mechanism that provides stability and ease of adjustment.

Innovation Solution

An awning assembly with a support member, positioning frame, and adjusting device featuring a screw that engages with a threaded bore, allowing for relative movement between elongate members and the supporting frame, thereby enhancing stability and adjustability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a retractable and adjustable awning is implemented, then the awning can be removed or adjusted for maintenance and weather protection, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The awning support structure is divided into multiple segments including an extension member, a support member with forked ends, and positioning frames that can slide along paths. These segmented components can be independently assembled and adjusted, making the overall structure easier to manufacture and assemble while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms where positioning frames can slide along curved paths on the support member, and extension members can be extended or retracted. This dynamic capability allows the awning to be adjusted for different positions and angles without requiring complete disassembly, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing awning supports are used, then the awning can be adjusted, but the structure lacks stability and flails in the wind

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple stabilization functions into the support structure: the forked support member combines with positioning frames that slide along curved paths, creating a unified stable assembly. The extension member integrates with the support member through a mounting end, forming a rigid connected structure that resists wind forces while maintaining adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning frames feature curved paths along which they slide on the support member. This curvature allows the frames to follow a controlled arc-shaped trajectory, providing stability during adjustment and preventing lateral movement or flailing in windy conditions while still enabling range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the awning structure is made more rigid for stability, then wind resistance improves, but the ease of adjustment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates dynamic elements including sliding positioning frames that move along curved paths and extendable members that can be adjusted as needed. These dynamic components maintain structural stability when fixed while enabling easy adjustment when actuated, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the support structure by allowing positioning frames to slide along curved paths and extension members to vary in length. This parameter variability enables the structure to transition between stable fixed positions and adjustable configurations, maintaining both stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improved stability and ease of adjustment, allowing for various positions and orientations of the awning, reducing unwanted motion and wear, while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an adjusting device comprising at least a screw that can engage with the threaded bore characterized in that motion of the screw through the threaded bore causes relative movement between the elongate member and the supporting frame along the path by pulling the threaded bore and the supporting frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2146023B1Adjustable awning support joint
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 MA SRL
  • EP2146023B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2146023B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2146023B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An awning can include a support member, an extension member, and an adjustment device. The extension member can have a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The first end of the extension member can coupled with an edge of a cloth. The adjustment device can include at least two positioning frames coupled to the support member and a Y-shaped support frame disposed between the positioning frames. The Y-shaped support frame can have an upper fork, a lower fork, and a base coupled to the second end of the extension member. The adjustment device can be configured to pivotally move the extension member upward and downward. The longitudinal axis of the extension member can be disposed at a range of angular positions relative to a horizontal axis.