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, fail to facilitate automatic and symmetrical folding, especially for storage, requiring manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A device for connecting a canvas to a rail that allows for automatic folding by using a first part mounted movably on a channel or cable, with a second part secured to the canvas and rotatably mounted about an axis, featuring resilient and damping means to return to a default position, enabling symmetrical folding without manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible link connects the fastening parts to enable movement, then the canvas can transition between folded and unfolded positions, but the folding is not automatic or symmetrical and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates a rotatable second part that can dynamically change its orientation relative to the first part. This rotational freedom allows the canvas to automatically fold and unfold symmetrically without manual intervention, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one that adapts to the canvas's movement between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is divided into two distinct parts: a first part mounted on the rail and a second part secured to the canvas. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently - the first part provides guided movement along the rail while the second part enables rotational folding, together achieving automatic symmetrical folding.
2Volume of moving object
If the canvas is folded for storage, then storage space is reduced, but the folding process is time-consuming and requires manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device enables the canvas to fold itself automatically through the rotational movement of the second part. When the canvas is released, the device autonomously guides it through the folding process without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing both the time and effort needed for storage preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the rotational mechanism and guiding elements in place before the canvas needs to be stored. This preliminary setup ensures that when storage is required, the canvas can immediately begin the automatic folding process without any preparatory manual actions, saving time during the actual folding operation.
3Shape
If the canvas is folded asymmetrically or with uneven thickness, then storage becomes difficult, but achieving symmetrical folding requires complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
While the goal is symmetrical folding, the device achieves this through an asymmetric mechanism where the second part rotates about a fixed axis. This controlled asymmetry in the mechanism's design - with the rotation axis positioned specifically and the canvas attached at a determined point - produces symmetric folding results, simplifying the overall mechanism while achieving the desired symmetry.
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, without manual intervention, ensuring efficient storage and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means (40) mounted engaged between the first part (10) and the second part (20) so as to constrain the second part into its initial position
Implementation Method 2
damping means (60) interposed between the first part (10) and the second part (20)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices for connection between a canvas and a rail defining a path of direction. The device includes a part mounted to move with respect to the rail on the path; a part; a unit for securing this part with a point defining a direction; and a unit for rotatably mounting the part with respect to the part about an axis such that the part is able to take all positions between a first position and a second position, the first position being defined so that the direction makes, with the axis, a second non-zero angle and the position being defined so that the direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis.