Convertible Awning and Shutter System with Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current awnings and storm shutters fail to provide comprehensive protection against salt air corrosion, high winds, driving rain, and sun damage in coastal areas, as existing products are either mutually exclusive or labor-intensive and costly to install.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function awning and shutter system that can transition between a closed storm shutter position and an open patio awning position, using industry-standard fabrics and aluminum frames, with spring mechanisms for easy operation, allowing for flexible positioning to withstand high winds while maintaining interior views and providing shade and rain protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rolling storm shutter is installed over door or window, then storm and sun protection to interior spaces is provided, but rain and shade protection to exterior living spaces cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the protective covering into two separate panels: a storm shutter panel for interior protection and an awning panel for exterior protection. These panels can be independently positioned and function, allowing each to specialize in its protective function while together providing comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-panel system serves multiple functions: the storm shutter panel provides storm and sun protection when closed, while the awning panel provides rain and shade protection when extended. Both panels can work together or independently, making the system versatile for different weather conditions and protection needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If rigid and fabric panels are installed for storm protection, then cost is reduced, but labor intensity and installation danger increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs spring mechanisms and gas springs that automatically provide the force needed to open and close the panels. This dynamic mechanical assistance eliminates the need for manual lifting and positioning during installation and operation, making the system easy to operate despite using cost-effective rigid and fabric panel materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms are pre-installed to provide self-serving mechanical advantage, allowing the panels to be easily opened and closed without external assistance or complex installation procedures. The system essentially installs itself with the help of the spring-loaded mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If awning panel is extended to provide exterior protection, then rain and shade protection is provided, but interior view and daylight are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the protective function into two distinct panels positioned at different locations, the system allows the awning panel to extend outward for exterior protection while the storm shutter panel remains retracted, preserving interior visibility and daylight when full protection is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms enable dynamic positioning of both panels, allowing them to be extended or retracted based on weather conditions. This dynamic control provides exterior protection when needed while maintaining interior view and daylight during normal conditions.
4Ease of operation
If spring mechanism is used to move awning panel, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanisms are pre-loaded and self-activating, providing automatic mechanical assistance for opening and closing the panels without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems. This self-serving mechanism simplifies the overall system despite adding mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex motorized or electric opening mechanisms with simple spring-based mechanical systems. This substitution maintains ease of operation while significantly reducing device complexity, eliminating the need for motors, wiring, controllers, and associated components.
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 system effectively protects interior and exterior spaces from natural elements, reducing the need for additional window treatments, saving energy costs, and offering a DIY installation option with quick assembly, while being adaptable to various sizes and applications.
Implementation Method 1
A spring mechanism is used to move the awning panel from a closed position to an open position and may have sufficient force to hold the awning panel in any position.
Implementation Method 2
The various embodiments may operate using gas springs, regular springs, servomotors, manual, hand cranked or other mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The awning and shutter system serves as both a storm shutter when closed and a deck or patio awning when opened, and is designed with a counterweight making for effortless operation. Furthermore, some embodiments of the awning and shutter may feature a third position, substantially reducing the projection of the awning when in the opened position. This unique feature allows the system to sustain high wind conditions while maintaining interior view, shade and daylight.