Lateral Arm Awning Assembly With Integrated Roller Tube Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable awning systems, particularly lateral arm awnings, face challenges such as the need for additional structural support to mount the roller tube and motor, which increases material costs and obstructs space, and the inability to install awnings above windows or other obstructions due to vertical arm configurations.
Innovation Solution
A lateral arm awning system with articulating arms that pivotally connect to a support surface, allowing the roller tube and motor to be mounted at the distal ends of the arms, eliminating the need for vertical supports and reducing material requirements by integrating the motor and roller tube within the arm structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If vertical arm awning configuration is used, then structural support for roller tube and motor is provided, but material costs increase and space is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the roller tube and motor mounting function directly into the lateral arm structure itself, eliminating the need for separate vertical support arms and their mounting hardware. The lateral arm is designed to bear both the awning load and support the roller tube with motor integrated, reducing total material quantity while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral arm serves multiple functions: it provides the awning support structure, positions the roller tube, and mounts the motor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated vertical support structures, reducing material costs while maintaining all necessary structural capabilities.
2Strength
If vertical arm awning configuration is used, then structural support for roller tube and motor is provided, but space under the awning is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the roller tube and motor mounting function into the lateral arm structure, the patent eliminates separate vertical support arms that would obstruct space underneath. The lateral arm configuration keeps support structures to the sides rather than extending vertically into the space below the awning.
3Ease of manufacture
If vertical arm awning configuration is used, then mounting to wall is simplified, but installation above windows or obstructions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical arm configuration (constraining mounting to lower wall positions) to lateral arm configuration with upward articulation capability. The lateral arms can articulate upward to position the roller tube above windows or other obstructions, adding vertical positioning flexibility while maintaining wall mounting simplicity through the articulation mechanism.
4Area of stationary object
If lateral arm configuration is used, then space under the awning is unobstructed and installation flexibility is improved, but additional structural support structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function directly into the lateral arm structure, eliminating the need for additional separate support structures. The lateral arm is designed to inherently bear the roller tube and motor weight through its articulation mechanism and mounting configuration, avoiding the need for extra vertical support elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral arm assembly and method of operation includes first and second articulating arms comprising first and second ends, the first ends of the articulating arms are mounted upon assembly to a support surface at separate lateral locations. The first ends each comprise separate pivoting mounting structures for forming a first pivotal connection with the first and second articulating arms. The lateral arm assembly also comprises a roller tube having spaced lateral ends supporting respective end brackets that provide a second pivotal connection to the second ends of the articulating arms. The roller tube supports a canopy coupled to a roller shaft, wherein one of the end brackets further supports a device that drives the roller shaft for furling and unfurling the canopy.