Segmented Mobile Awning Structure for Wind Gust Relief

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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional solid panel awnings are used, then they provide complete coverage and shading, but they catch wind gusts like a parachute causing support structure bending or breaking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind resistanceVSAvoidsupport structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates mesh panels between solid awning panels to create a porous structure that allows wind to pass through. This reduces wind capture while maintaining coverage, preventing the parachute effect that causes support structure failure during gusts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The awning is divided into multiple solid panels separated by mesh panels or gaps. This segmentation allows wind to pass through specific zones while maintaining shaded coverage in other areas, reducing overall wind capture force on the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If mesh panels or gaps are introduced to allow wind passage, then wind stress on the awning is reduced, but the awning coverage and shading effectiveness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveawnig durabilityVSAvoidawning coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The awning is divided into multiple solid panels separated by mesh panels or gaps. This segmentation allows wind to pass through specific zones while maintaining shaded coverage in other areas, reducing overall wind capture force on the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates mesh panels between solid awning panels to create a porous structure that allows wind to pass through. This reduces wind capture while maintaining coverage, preventing the parachute effect that causes support structure failure during gusts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 design enables the awning to withstand higher wind speeds by dissipating wind force, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring the awning can remain functional.

Implementation Method 1

two or more solid panels separated by a mesh panel or other means by which the wind can blow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind flow through mesh: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

two awning panels that are partially overlapping, with the two panels, optionally, separated by a bungie cord or other elastic tether

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260062948A1Mobile Awning

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 WHEEL PROS LLC

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.