Foldable Vehicle Awning With Adjustable Mounting and Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing awnings for vehicles require precise alignment and significant physical effort for extension and retraction, are prone to jamming, and are not adaptable to vehicles with different heights and surface features.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure with pivotably connected frame members and linear actuators, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical actuators, that facilitate easy attachment to various vehicle surfaces and enable effortless extension and retraction of the awning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple bolt or fastener structures are used to connect the awning frame to the vehicle surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to vehicles with different heights, lengths, and surface features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure employs adjustable mounting brackets with multiple positioning holes and telescopic support rods that can be extended or retracted. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same connection structure to adapt to vehicles of different heights, lengths, and surface features while maintaining a relatively simple overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure utilizes adjustable parameters including the position of mounting holes, the length of support rods, and the angle of brackets. By changing these parameters, the structure can be configured to fit various vehicle dimensions and surface characteristics without requiring complete redesign
2Device complexity
If manual hinge and latch mechanisms are used for awning extension and retraction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to significant physical labor required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical systems (hinges and latches requiring significant physical force) with a more sophisticated mechanism incorporating springs, dampers, and linkage arms. This substitution reduces the physical effort required by users while maintaining mechanical operation without complex electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure utilizes spring elements and dampers that provide counterbalancing forces to assist the user during extension and retraction operations. These elements store and release energy to offset the weight and resistance of the awning frame, significantly reducing the physical labor required
3Device complexity
If manual operation of gear and chain or pulley and belt systems is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to jamming or breaking during extension and retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic gear, chain, and pulley systems from the design. By removing these complex mechanical transmission elements, the source of jamming and breaking is eliminated, resulting in a more reliable system that achieves the same extension and retraction function through a different mechanical approach
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is divided into separate functional modules including mounting brackets, support rods, and linkage arms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and reduces the interdependence that causes jamming in integrated gear and chain systems
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for connecting the awning frame to the vehicle surface, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure employs universal mounting brackets with multiple positioning holes and adjustable support rods that can accommodate various vehicle surfaces and orientations. This universal design allows for easy installation on different vehicles without requiring precise pre-alignment, as the adjustable features enable adaptation to various configurations
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 a reliable and adaptable solution that allows for the awning to be easily attached to a variety of vehicles with different heights and surface features, requiring minimal physical effort and reducing the likelihood of jamming during extension and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear actuator, and a second linear actuator. The first linear actuator is configured to extend between a base frame member first location proximate to the base frame member first end and a first perpendicular frame member first location
Implementation Method 2
The first perpendicular frame member is pivotably connected to the base frame member first end and has a first perpendicular frame member distal end. The second perpendicular frame member is pivotably connected to the base frame member second end
Data Source
AI summary
An awning for attachment to a vehicle includes a frame, a first cover member, and an attachment structure. The frame includes a base frame member, a first perpendicular frame member pivotably connected to and extendable from a base frame member first end, a second perpendicular frame member pivotably connected to and extendable from a base frame member second end, a first outer frame member pivotably connected to and extendable between the first perpendicular frame member distal end and the second perpendicular frame member distal end, a first actuator configured to extend between the base frame member and the first perpendicular frame member, and a second actuator configured to extend between the base frame member and the second perpendicular frame member. The first cover member foldably extends between the base frame member, the first perpendicular frame member, the second perpendicular frame member, and the first outer frame member. The attachment structure is configured to connect the base frame member to a first vehicle surface.