Self-Locking Cable Anchor for Awning Screen Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cable anchoring systems in motorized non-vertical sun protection screens experience wear and failure due to dynamic loads, leading to premature breakdown of the tensioning system.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking worm gear reducer is integrated into the cable anchoring system, preventing bobbin rotation under load by using a worm gear with a small angle of inclination, ensuring minimal wear on the tension cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable anchoring system with clamped cable ends is used in a motorized non-vertical sun protection screen, then the tensioning system can be implemented, but the dynamic load causes wear of the woven sheath and eventual cable breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable end from the clamping mechanism and replaces it with a loop configuration. The loop is inserted through the cable anchoring and secured with a crimping sleeve, eliminating the harmful clamping action on the cable end while maintaining the tensioning function. This extraction of the problematic cable end configuration resolves the wear issue.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of clamping the cable end directly in the cable anchoring, the patent inverts the approach by creating a loop from the cable and securing it through a crimping sleeve. This inversion transforms the direct clamping force into a distributed securing mechanism that protects the cable sheath from wear while maintaining anchoring effectiveness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a tensioning system with spring mechanism is used to keep the screen under tension, then the screen remains tensioned during winding and unwinding, but the spring system creates dynamic load that accelerates cable wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pulley system as an intermediary mechanism between the spring tensioning system and the cable anchoring. The pulley configuration allows the spring to maintain tension while redirecting and smoothing the force transmission, reducing the dynamic load fluctuations that cause cable wear at the anchoring point.
3Reliability
If cable anchorings are designed for secure cable attachment, then the tensioning system functions properly, but installation and replacement require two persons due to the complexity and weight of the bottom slat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable anchoring system into modular components: the cable anchoring unit itself, the crimping sleeve, and the loop configuration. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly and simplifies installation, enabling single-person operation while maintaining secure cable attachment through the distributed securing mechanism of the crimping sleeve.
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 solution significantly reduces cable wear, allowing single-person installation and maintenance, and maintains consistent tension without requiring additional support, enhancing the durability and functionality of the sun protection screen.
Implementation Method 1
A self-locking worm gear reducer is integrated into the cable anchoring system, preventing bobbin rotation under load by using a worm gear with a small angle of inclination
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable anchor for a motorized non-vertical awning fabric. The cable anchor includes: a frame (52) having an entry opening (54) for receiving a cable end; a bobbin (56) for winding the cable end thereon; a worm gear (58) fixedly attached to the bobbin; and a worm (60) mounted on the frame and engaged with the worm gear, the worm and worm gear together forming a self-locking worm gear reducer. A self-locking worm gear reducer can only rotate minimally under load. By winding the cable end onto a bobbin, which itself is fixed on the worm gear, the cable end is firmly connected to the self-locking worm gear reducer. A dynamic load (e.g. during winding or unwinding) on the tension cable has no effect on the bobbin due to the self-locking worm gear reduer. The cable anchor according to the present invention therefore has no or only minimal wear on the tension cable.