Nested Awning Arm Frame for Compact Pole-Free Vehicle Shelter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle awnings are bulky, heavy, structurally unsound, and difficult to set up, requiring additional support poles and often suffer from rust, corrosion, and deterioration, with cumbersome closing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible awning frame with nested awning arms that pivot up to 270°, allowing easy setup and takedown, and a C-channel mounting member for secure attachment to vehicles, featuring a meshed design for reduced weight and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional awning materials and structures are used, then the awning provides shelter, but it becomes bulky, heavy, and susceptible to rust and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminium extrusions with powder-coated finishes to create a composite structure that combines the strength and corrosion resistance of aluminium with the protective properties of powder coating. This replaces traditional materials that were prone to rust and deterioration, achieving both durability and reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using modern aluminium extrusions with specific wall thicknesses (e.g., 1.2mm, 1.5mm) and T6 heat treatment, which provide optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The powder coating thickness and composition are also optimized to provide corrosion protection without adding excessive weight.
2Reliability
If traditional awning structures are used, then the awning provides coverage, but it requires additional support poles and becomes complex to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The awning is divided into modular sections with standardized aluminium extrusions that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The mounting member, arms, and support structures are segmented into interchangeable components that simplify the setup process while maintaining structural integrity through precise engineering of connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for separate support poles by integrating support functions directly into the awning arm structure itself. The arms are engineered to provide both structural support and the necessary mechanical function, removing redundant components and simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If traditional closing mechanisms are used, then the arms can be stored, but they stack bulky and cause rubbing and difficulty in housing
Solution Approach 1:
The awning arms are designed to nest within each other in a compact configuration when stowed, similar to nested dolls. The tapered design of the arms allows them to fit snugly within one another, minimizing the stowed volume and eliminating bulkiness while maintaining ease of operation during closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pivoting mechanism that allows arms to collapse in multiple dimensions rather than simply folding in one plane. This multi-dimensional collapsing action enables the arms to nest more efficiently and reduces the overall stowed volume while maintaining smooth operation without rubbing.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible awning frame for erecting an awning. The awning frame includes a mounting member adapted to connect to a surface, the mounting member having a first end and a second end. The awning frame also includes a first plurality of nested awning arms pivotably connected to the first end of the mounting member, and a second plurality of nested awning arms pivotably connected to the second end of the mounting member.