Foldable Cloth Awning Pantograph for Synchronized Beam Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing second-generation foldable cloth type awning systems face issues such as unsynchronized movement of upper support beams, damage due to sudden dropping, and thermal expansion affecting the desired configuration of the cloth, leading to unaesthetic and functional problems.

Innovation Solution

A retractable terrace canopy system with a telescopic assembly using a pantograph mechanism and thermal expansion compensating mechanism, ensuring synchronized movement of upper support beams and maintaining the desired configuration despite temperature changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a telescopic assembly with primary linkage sections is used to displace upper support beams, then the awning can be extended and retracted, but the upper support beams move unsynchronized and may suddenly drop causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension and retraction of awningVSAvoidsynchronized movement of support beams

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A pantograph mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the actuating force and the upper support beams. The pantograph consists of interconnected linkages that translate linear motion into synchronized parallel motion of multiple support beams, ensuring they move uniformly without sudden drops or unsynchronized movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static support beam arrangement to a dynamic telescopic assembly with movable linkages. The pantograph mechanism allows the support beams to move dynamically in unison during extension and retraction, maintaining structural integrity and synchronization throughout the motion range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the awning is extended fully, then maximum coverage is achieved, but thermal expansion of the frame affects the desired configuration of the cloth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area of awningVSAvoidconfiguration stability of cloth

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acknowledges thermal expansion as a physical phenomenon affecting the frame dimensions. By designing the pantograph mechanism with appropriate clearance and flexibility in the linkage connections, the system accommodates thermal expansion of the frame materials without compromising the cloth configuration or causing structural damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

3Volume of moving object

If the cloth is folded strongly in retracted configuration, then compact storage is achieved, but the cloth hangs below the frame reducing usable height and occluding lighting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretracted size of awningVSAvoidusable height of terrace canopy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of folding the cloth downward as in traditional awnings, this invention folds the cloth upward toward the frame structure. The pantograph mechanism guides the support beams to fold the cloth in reverse direction, keeping the folded cloth above the terrace canopy level, thus preserving usable height and lighting while achieving compact retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The system provides synchronized and stable movement of the support beams, preventing damage and maintaining the desired cloth configuration, enhancing aesthetics and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The telescopic assembly comprises a pantograph comprising linkages... The linkages are arranged to transform linear motion of an actuating force into parallel motion of a plurality of upper support beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

thermal expansion compensating mechanism, ensuring synchronized movement of upper support beams and maintaining the desired configuration despite temperature changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4476413B1An openable terrace canopy

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 CORRADI

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AI summary

An openable terrace canopy (2) comprising an opening (9) at least partly covered by a foldable cloth type awning system (1), the system comprising: • a frame (3) comprising comprises a guiding track (10), • a cloth (11) and a cloth support (12), wherein the cloth support comprises a plurality of substantially parallel upper support beams (13), and • a telescopic assembly (15) arranged to displace the upper support beams between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the telescopic assembly comprises a pantograph comprising rigid arms (17, 18, 19, 20) and primary upper pivot connectors (22), primary lower pivot connectors (25), secondary upper pivot connectors (24), secondary lower pivot connectors (23) and intermediate pivot connectors (21), wherein each upper support beam is connected to an upper pivot connector, wherein one of the primary lower pivot connectors is fixed to the frame, and wherein at least one of the primary lower pivot connectors comprises a wagon (28) arranged onto the guiding track in such a manner that the wagon can only follow the guiding track.