Removable RV Awning with Segmented Rigid Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recreational vehicles face challenges with temperature regulation due to sun exposure, leading to increased energy costs from air conditioning and limitations in ventilation when using blinds or shades, and existing retractable awnings are costly, prone to damage, and not universally adopted.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, removably fixed awning assembly with a frame and cover system that can be easily attached to recreational vehicles using adhesive or Velcro strips, providing shade and allowing for airflow while being durable and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If retractable awnings are deployed to provide shade, then interior temperature is reduced, but the awning is prone to damage from wind and vehicle movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior temperatureVSAvoidawning durability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The awning is divided into multiple rigid panels connected by hinges, allowing each panel to be independently supported and secured. This segmentation enables the awning to be firmly attached to the vehicle structure while maintaining stability against wind loads, resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The awning is pre-assembled with rigid panels and hinge connections before deployment. This preliminary structuring ensures that the awning maintains its shape and structural integrity when attached to the vehicle, preventing damage from wind and movement while providing effective shade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by stationary object

If retractable awnings are used to provide shade, then energy cost is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair conditioning energy consumptionVSAvoidawning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The awning system is segmented into discrete rigid panels that can be independently attached to the vehicle. This modular approach simplifies installation and reduces overall system complexity compared to traditional retractable mechanisms, while still providing effective shade to reduce air conditioning energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a retractable mechanism that complicates the system, the invention inverts the approach by using a fixed rigid panel structure that is simple to attach and remove. This inversion eliminates complex retractable mechanisms while achieving the same energy-saving goal through straightforward attachment to the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of energy

If windows are closed to prevent air-conditioned air loss, then energy efficiency is improved, but natural ventilation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair-conditioned air lossVSAvoidnatural ventilation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid panel awning acts as an intermediary structure that provides external shade to the vehicle, blocking solar radiation before it heats the interior. This eliminates the need to close windows for thermal protection, allowing windows to remain open for natural ventilation while still preventing air-conditioned air loss when the system is deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11512492B1Awning assembly

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 COOK STEPHEN R

AI summary

An awning assembly contains a frame and a frame cover attached to the frame. The frame is adapted to be removably fixed to an associated structure over a window or opening, such as on a recreational vehicle or camper, for example.