Lateral Arm Actuator with Adjustable Gas Spring Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable awnings with lateral arm actuators require multiple actuating cables/straps/chains for different arm lengths, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity due to the use of traction gas springs.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained extension gas shock/spring system connects to the center arm joint, utilizing a single cable/strap/chain length for any awning arm length, featuring a gas spring with a cylinder and rod, an awning knuckle with pivotable connectors, and a motorized roller for efficient extension and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traction gas springs are used to actuate lateral arms of different lengths, then the awning can be extended to various lengths, but multiple different cable/strap/chain lengths are required, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The gas spring is designed with a universal mounting system where the rod can be positioned at multiple locations along the cylinder body. This allows a single gas spring design to accommodate various lateral arm lengths by simply changing the rod mounting position, eliminating the need for multiple different cable lengths for different awning configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spring incorporates an adjustable rod mounting system that allows dynamic reconfiguration of the actuation point. The rod can be moved to different positions on the cylinder to match varying arm lengths, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized components
2Ease of operation
If traction gas springs are used for lateral arm actuation, then the awning can be extended and retracted, but the cost of parts and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single gas spring design serves multiple awning configurations through adjustable rod mounting positions, reducing the variety of parts that need to be manufactured and stocked. This universal design approach lowers manufacturing complexity and part costs while maintaining full operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spring's effective actuation length is changed by repositioning the rod along the cylinder body rather than manufacturing different gas springs for different applications. This parameter adjustment approach reduces manufacturing costs by standardizing the gas spring production while providing customization through simple reconfiguration
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the design by allowing for a single cable length across all arm lengths, enabling efficient extension and retraction of the awning while generating larger forces with a smaller gas shock diameter, thus reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring with a cylinder and a rod that is displaceable relative to the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a motorized roller for efficient extension and retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral arm actuator for an extendable awning includes a gas spring with a cylinder and a rod that is displaceable relative to the cylinder, a fitting disposed at a distal end of the rod, and an awning knuckle including a first connector coupled to a cylinder end of the gas spring, a second connector, and a pivot coupled between the first and second connectors. The second connector is pivotable relative to the first connector, and the second connector includes a hook. A cable formed into a continuous loop is positioned over the fitting, along the gas spring, and across the awning knuckle engaging the hook. An extendable awning assembly also incorporates the lateral arm actuator to extend and retract the awning via a motorized roller.