Canvas-to-Rail Connector for Automatic Symmetrical Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting canvases, such as boat sails and curtains, do not allow for automatic and symmetrical folding, making it difficult to store them efficiently, especially in compact forms like bags.
Innovation Solution
A connection device between a canvas and a rail that includes a cylindrical first part for sliding movement, a second part for securing the canvas with elastic constraint means, and damping elements, allowing for automatic folding by rotating the second part between two positions, facilitating symmetrical and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a flexible link connects the mast piece and sail piece in existing systems, then the sail can be attached to the mast, but the sail cannot be folded automatically and symmetrically
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device employs dynamic elements including a rotatable second part that can pivot between folded and unfolded positions, and an elastic constraint means that dynamically adjusts the folding force. This allows the sail to fold automatically without manual intervention while managing the complexity through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic constraint means is configured to automatically return the second part to the folded position when the sail is lowered, enabling self-service folding without requiring manual operation. The system uses the gravitational force on the sail combined with elastic restoration to achieve automatic symmetric folding and storage.
2Ease of operation
If the canvas is folded manually for storage, then it can be stored in a bag or similar, but it requires manual intervention and does not fold symmetrically
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device uses asymmetric positioning of multiple connection points along the sail edge, with each point having a specific distance from the reference line. This asymmetric arrangement of connection points creates symmetric folding behavior when the sail is lowered, as the elastic constraint means acts on each point to return it to the folded position, ensuring the canvas folds evenly and symmetrically without manual intervention.
3Volume of moving object
If the canvas is not folded compactly, then it can be stored without special equipment, but it occupies excessive space and is aesthetically poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device divides the sail into multiple segments by providing several connection points (first, second, third, and fourth points) along the sail edge, each with specific distance requirements from reference lines. This segmentation allows the sail to be folded into compact sections that can be stored efficiently in bags or similar containers, reducing the volume occupied while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed connection points.
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
Enables automatic and symmetrical folding of canvases, such as boat sails and curtains, into compact forms without manual intervention, improving storage efficiency and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a connection device between a canvas and a rail that includes a cylindrical first part for sliding movement, a second part for securing the canvas with elastic constraint means
Implementation Method 2
damping elements, allowing for automatic folding by rotating the second part between two positions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices for connection between a canvas To and a rail Ra defining a path Cd of direction Dt. The device is essentially characterised by the fact that it comprises a part 10 mounted to move with respect to the rail Ra on the path Cd; a part 20; means 30 for securing this part 20 with a point Pto defining a direction 22; and means 50 for rotatably mounting the part 20 with respect to the part 10 about an axis 31 such that the part 20 is able to take all positions between a position P1 and a position P2, the position P1 being defined so that the direction 22 makes, with the axis 11, a second non-zero angle and the position P2 being defined so that the direction 22 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 11, and resilient constraint means for returning the part 20 into its position P1.