Guide Carriage Positioning for Sun Protection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun and/or rain protection systems require significant space due to the need for fully extended guide carriages to maintain a defined distance between protective elements, limiting partial extension and affecting functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of positioning elements and corresponding position indicators on guide carriages that allow for defined positioning along a rail, eliminating the need for connecting elements and enabling partial extension, with optional locking mechanisms for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If connecting elements are used to maintain defined distance between guide carriages, then the distance between protective elements is maintained, but the guide device requires considerable space and cannot be partially extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the connecting elements (scissor-joint-like elements, coupling arms, toothed belts) that previously connected guide carriages together. Instead, each guide carriage is independently positioned along the rail using positioning elements (locking pins, cam mechanisms) that engage with position indicators (recesses, notches) on the rail, eliminating the need for inter-carriage connecting elements and reducing the space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the guide carriages into independent units that can be individually positioned and locked at specific locations along the rail. Each guide carriage has its own positioning element that can engage with position indicators independently, allowing partial extension and independent control of each carriage without requiring the entire system to be fully extended.
2Manufacturing precision
If guide carriages are fully extended to achieve defined distance, then the protective elements are properly positioned, but partial extension is not possible and functionality is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fully extended configuration to a dynamic system where guide carriages can be independently positioned at various locations along the rail. The positioning elements allow each carriage to be locked at specific positions, enabling flexible partial extension configurations adapted to different functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables partial extension by allowing only the necessary number of guide carriages to be extended to the required positions, rather than requiring all carriages to be fully extended. This partial action achieves the defined distance requirement for the active protective elements while leaving other carriages in a retracted or intermediate state.
3Stability of the object's composition
If connecting elements are used to link guide carriages, then the system maintains structural integrity, but the guide carriages and connecting elements occupy excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky connecting elements (scissor joints, coupling arms) that previously provided structural linkage between guide carriages. Structural integrity is maintained through the rail system itself and individual positioning elements on each carriage that engage with the rail, eliminating the need for inter-carriage mechanical linkages and significantly reducing the volume occupied by the guide device.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5a~6h
AI summary
Guide device (1) for a sun and/or rain protection system (100) comprising at least one guide carriage (3) for receiving a protective element (101), wherein the at least one guide carriage (3) is movable along a rail (2a), wherein the at least one guide carriage (3) has a positioning element (16), wherein the at least one rail (2a) has at least one position indicator (17) corresponding to the positioning element (16).