Segmented Mobile Awning With Wind-Relief Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Awnings for trailers and vehicles are susceptible to damage from gusts of wind due to lack of wind outlets, leading to bending or breaking of support structures, which can render them unusable.
Innovation Solution
An awning design with two or more panels separated by a mesh panel or elastic tethers that allow wind to pass through, reducing stress on the awning and support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional solid awning panel is used, then the awning provides complete coverage and protection, but the awning is susceptible to wind damage and support structure failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating mesh panels between solid awning panels, creating a structure that allows wind to pass through while maintaining coverage. This reduces wind stress on the support structure while preserving the awning's protective function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability in wind conditions and susceptibility to wind damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the solid awning panel into multiple sections separated by mesh panels or gaps. This segmentation allows different portions of the awning to respond independently to wind forces, reducing the overall stress on the support structure while maintaining coverage, thereby improving reliability without increasing wind vulnerability.
2Strength
If lightweight aluminium support structure is used, then the awning is easy to install and maintain, but the support structure bends or breaks in high wind speeds
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating mesh panels that allow wind passage, the patent reduces the wind load on the lightweight aluminium support structure. This enables the use of lighter materials while maintaining structural integrity in high wind conditions, as the mesh panels prevent the support structure from bearing the full force of gusts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of wind into a beneficial feature by using mesh panels that allow controlled wind passage. This reduces the harmful wind stress on the lightweight support structure while maintaining the awning's protective function, enabling the use of lighter materials without compromising strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mesh panels or gaps are introduced between awning panels, then wind can pass through reducing stress, but the awning coverage and protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the awning into solid panels separated by mesh panels or gaps, creating a pattern that balances coverage and wind resistance. The solid panels provide protection where needed, while the mesh sections allow wind passage, achieving both wind stress reduction and adequate coverage simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of mesh panels as porous materials provides a solution that maintains visual coverage and partial protection while allowing wind to pass through. This resolves the contradiction by providing adequate coverage area while reducing wind stress through the porous mesh sections.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved awning for a trailer or vehicle has at least two solid panels attached to each other by elastic cords, mesh or other connectors. When the awning is hit by a gust of wind, the panels separate from each other and form a gap through which wind can pass, thereby dissipating some of the force of the gust. The size of the gap is limited by the connectors. The technology allows the awning to withstand significantly higher wind speed that does a traditional awning where there is no outlet for the wind.