Integrated Controller Unit for Outdoor Shading Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor shading devices lack responsiveness to environmental changes, requiring frequent manual operation for adjustments, which can be inconvenient and disrupt scheduled activities.
Innovation Solution
A controller unit with an electronic appliance holder and control panel that allows for centralized, electrical control of integrated electronic devices, such as portable music players and fans, enabling users to easily connect and control these devices within the shading system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for controlling electronic appliances in outdoor shading devices, then the device structure remains simple, but user convenience deteriorates and frequent interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control panel and electronic appliance holder into a single integrated controller unit. The control panel includes connecting slots that directly interface with portable electronic devices placed in the holder, merging control and holding functions into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate manual operation mechanisms while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller unit is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple types of portable electronic devices (music players, smartphones, tablets, fans). The control panel can centrally control various appliances through a single interface, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate control mechanisms for each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable electronic devices are integrated with outdoor shading devices, then user experience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller unit provides universal integration capability for various portable electronic devices through standardized connecting slots. The system can accommodate music players, smartphones, tablets, and fans without requiring device-specific integration mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity through a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration system is segmented into distinct functional components: the holder for physical support and the control panel for electrical control. This segmentation allows portable devices to be easily connected and disconnected without complicating the overall system architecture, maintaining simplicity while enabling versatile integration.
3Productivity
If centralized electrical control is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control panel with the electronic appliance holder into a single integrated unit. The control panel includes connecting slots that directly interface with devices in the holder, combining control and housing functions. This integration achieves centralized electrical control for efficient operation while avoiding the complexity of separate control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller unit for electrically controlling an outdoor shading device having an awning frame and a supporting frame, includes a operation housing mounted on the supporting frame of the outdoor shading device, wherein the operation housing has a surrounding wall; a control panel being supported on the surrounding wall of the operation housing at a predetermined location for controlling one or more electronic appliances of the outdoor shading device; and an electronic appliance holder assembly for holding at least an electronic appliance thereat and electrically linking with the control panel, wherein the holder assembly is located on the surrounding wall of the operation housing and being arranged that the electronic appliance holder assembly is located at an opposed side of the surrounding wall with respective to the control panel.