Quick-Release Connection Frame Assembly for Tool-Free Awning Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing awning systems face difficulties in secure assembly and disassembly, particularly when attaching to structures like trailers or buildings, as they require ladders and pins, making the process unsafe, cumbersome, and lacking in convenience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a quick release cam assembly and connecting plates with alignment guides, allowing structural frame components to be easily assembled or disassembled without tools or ladders, using a cam lock that secures to a bracket with a spiral twist locking axial slot, enabling secure attachment to vertical surfaces without external fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pin and aperture connection methods are used, then structural components can be securely attached, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires ladders and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: the cam assembly with locking cam, the bracket with aperture, and the spiral twist locking axial slot. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling secure attachment through a simple rotational motion rather than complex pin insertion procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly is pre-configured with the locking cam positioned to engage the spiral twist locking axial slot in the bracket. The alignment features and guide surfaces are built into the components beforehand, so that when the structural component is brought to the bracket, the connection is automatically aligned and secured through rotation, eliminating the need for ladders and tools
2Area of stationary object
If long structural frame components are used to extend awning coverage, then the awning can cover larger areas, but the components become difficult to transport and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The awning structure is divided into multiple modular frame components that can be transported separately and assembled on-site using the quick-release cam connections. This allows long awning coverage to be achieved through assembly of manageable sections rather than handling single long components
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly enables dynamic adjustment and quick release of frame components during assembly and disassembly. The rotational locking mechanism allows components to be rapidly connected and disconnected without tools, making it feasible to assemble large-area awnings from transportable sections
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent assembly and disassembly is required for transportation and storage, then the awning can be relocated easily, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and releasing functions are merged into a single rotational motion of the cam assembly. The same cam mechanism that provides secure locking when rotated also enables quick release when rotated in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for separate locking and releasing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly is designed to be operated by hand without tools or external assistance. The spiral twist locking axial slot and cam geometry are configured so that the user's rotational motion directly engages the locking mechanism, and reverse rotation automatically releases it, making the system self-servicing for frequent assembly and disassembly operations
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 facilitates safe, quick, and convenient assembly and disassembly of awnings, eliminating the need for ladders and pins, and allows for easy transportation and storage by providing a secure and tool-free attachment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned within the structural support and in engagement with the load retention pin
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the structural frame component approximately 90 degrees secures the cam assembly and structural frame component to a bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable connection frame assembly includes a first support having a first end. Right and left connecting plates are connected to the first end, the connecting plates have alignment guides having angular guide edges and a load axis aperture. The connecting plates are reverse images of each other. A second support has a second end, an interior, opposite sides, first and second load pin apertures, and first and second release pin apertures proximate to the second end. A quick release is disposed in the second end and has a spring, first and second prongs, first and second load pins, and first and second release pins. The load pins pass through the alignment guides to releasably engage the load axis apertures to connect the first and second supports together. The release pins permit separation of the first and second supports from an engaged configuration.