Awning Suspension Bracket Snap-In Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing awning assembly process requires two people due to the cumbersome and unsafe nature of holding the awning in position while making screw connections, which can lead to accidents and inefficiency, especially when only one person is available for installation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of mounting plates with an undercut edge strip and snap-in levers with a locking tooth and spring mechanism allows for secure attachment of the suspension bracket before screwing, enabling single-person assembly by automatically locking the bracket in place, thus eliminating the need for a second person.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suspension bracket is secured to the mounting plate using only a screw connection, then the fastening is secure, but the assembly process requires two people and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing an undercut edge strip on the mounting plate that allows the suspension bracket to be temporarily positioned and held in place before the final screw connection is made. This preliminary positioning action enables the assembler to secure the bracket with one hand while making the screw connection, eliminating the need for a second person to hold the bracket during assembly.
2Ease of operation
If one person holds the awning in position with one hand to make screw connections, then assembly can be done by one person, but it is cumbersome and unsafe with increased accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The undercut edge strip provides preliminary positioning and stabilization of the suspension bracket before screw connection. This preliminary action transfers the stabilization function from the assembler's hand to the structural design of the mounting plate, allowing safe one-handed operation during screw fastening.
3Ease of operation
If the suspension bracket is made with a pivoting mechanism for single-person assembly, then assembly becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through the undercut edge strip geometry rather than complex pivoting mechanisms. The undercut design allows the bracket to be inserted and positioned with simple linear motion, avoiding the need for hinges, springs, or other mechanical complexity while still enabling easy one-person assembly.
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 design allows for safe, efficient, and quick assembly of the awning by a single person, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing assembly efficiency by ensuring secure fastening without the need for additional personnel.
Implementation Method 1
which, by means of an associated spring, has its locking tooth behind the undercut edge strip of the associated mounting plate can be locked
Implementation Method 2
The spring can advantageously be designed as a torsion spring, which results in a compact design with a comparatively strong spring force
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The awning (1) has a housing (3) receiving a winding shaft and comprising two side parts (5), where the side parts are provided with bearings and connected by a housing coat (6). A hanging console (9) is hung and fixed at an assigned mounting plate (7), where an undercut sidebar is arranged on sides of the mounting plate. The hanging console carries a snatching lever, where the lever comprises a ratchet tooth and engages behind the undercut sidebar of the assigned mounting plate with the ratchet tooth using an assigned spring. The spring is formed as a spring clip.