Foldable Outdoor Panel Assembly Magnetic Reset Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor panel assemblies are prone to deflection due to external forces like wind and impact, leading to damage, and existing mechanical mounting devices are susceptible to failure from repeated flexing.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically resettable panel assembly with a rotating mount system using magnets to maintain the panel in a desired orientation and automatically return it to that orientation after deflection, utilizing opposing magnetic polarities to facilitate rotation and prevent mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical mounting devices with springs are used to return panels to upright condition, then panels can be returned to desired orientation after deflection, but the mounting devices are subject to breakage and failure from repeated flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical springs and latches with a magnetic field system. Magnets mounted on the panel and base interact through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to provide the restoring mechanism, eliminating mechanical contact and friction that cause wear and failure in traditional spring-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the panel and base. Instead of direct mechanical contact through springs and latches, the magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator that transmits force to return the panel to its upright position, reducing mechanical stress on mounting components.
2Strength
If rigid mechanical connections are used to secure panels, then panels are held firmly in position, but panels cannot flex during deflecting events without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic mounting system where the panel can rotate freely during deflecting events rather than being rigidly fixed. The magnetic restoring force gradually returns the panel to its upright position after the deflecting event passes, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides a pre-configured magnetic restoring force that acts as a cushion against damaging rigid constraints. Instead of allowing the panel to snap back violently or remain permanently deflected, the magnetic field provides a controlled, gradual restoring force that protects the panel from damage while maintaining its position.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If panels are allowed to flex freely during deflecting events, then damage is prevented, but panels do not automatically return to their useful orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service system where the magnetic field automatically detects when the panel is deflected and generates the appropriate restoring force without human intervention. The magnets sense the panel's position and autonomously guide it back to the upright orientation, eliminating the need for manual resetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic interaction system provides continuous feedback between the panel's position and the magnetic force applied. As the panel deflects, the magnetic field strength and direction automatically adjust to provide the appropriate restoring force, creating a closed-loop system that self-corrects the panel's orientation.
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 allows for repeated deflection and return cycles without mechanical failure, maintaining the panel's orientation and extending its lifespan by using magnetic forces instead of mechanical components, thus preventing damage and fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The position of the first magnet adjacent to the third magnet maintains the panel in the first orientation or in an un-deflected condition while the position of the second magnet adjacent to the third magnet biases the panel from a second orientation or deflected condition back to the first orientation or un-deflected condition
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable outdoor panel assembly is provided including an outdoor panel and a rotating mount assembly for maintaining the outdoor panel in a desired first orientation. The rotating mount assembly includes a first mount assembly connected to the panel and including a first mount, a first magnet having a first polarity and a second magnet having a second polarity. The rotating mount assembly further includes a second mount assembly having a second mount ratably connected to the first mount and including a third magnet having the first polarity. The second mount is connected to a post or other structure attached to the ground. The position of the first magnet adjacent to the third magnet maintains the panel in the first orientation or in an un-deflected condition while the position of the second magnet adjacent to the third magnet biases the panel from a second orientation or deflected condition back to the first orientation or un-deflected condition.