Shading Device Transmission Element for Precise Awning Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Awnings with manual adjustment using small gears face challenges in quickly and precisely setting the end position of extension rods, leading to light gaps or inconsistent positions between adjacent awnings, and require decoupling and rotating under load, which is aesthetically and functionally disruptive.

Innovation Solution

A shading device with a transmission element that can be moved between functional and release positions, allowing for torque transmission without play, enabling quick and precise adjustment of the relative positions between the fabric shaft and drive device, using a gear and engagement devices to facilitate rotational movement and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a small gear is used for manual adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjustment speed and precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear sizeVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission element is designed to be axially displaceable between a functional position (engaged with the fabric shaft) and a release position (disengaged), allowing dynamic switching between torque transmission and adjustment modes. This enables the user to quickly disengage the transmission element for rapid adjustment without being constrained by the small gear's limited rotation range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission element acts as an intermediary between the gear mechanism and the fabric shaft. When displaced to the release position, it decouples the fabric shaft from the gear, allowing independent adjustment of the fabric shaft position without being limited by the small gear's slow rotation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the transmission element is always engaged with the fabric shaft, then torque transmission is maintained, but adjustment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidadjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission element can dynamically switch between two states: engaged with the fabric shaft for reliable torque transmission during normal operation, and disengaged for adjustment during maintenance or repositioning. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain reliability during operation while enabling ease of adjustment when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a gear engagement portion that interfaces with the gear mechanism and a fabric shaft engagement portion that interfaces with the fabric shaft. This segmentation allows independent control of each engagement, enabling the system to maintain torque transmission through the gear portion while releasing the fabric shaft portion for adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the fabric shaft is rotationally fixed to the transmission element, then torque transmission without play is achieved, but adjustment speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission without playVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational fixation between the fabric shaft and transmission element is made dynamic through the axial displacement mechanism. During normal operation, the transmission element is engaged with the fabric shaft, providing rotationally fixed torque transmission without play. During adjustment, the transmission element is displaced to release the rotational constraint, allowing rapid adjustment of the fabric shaft position without time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables simple and quick adjustment of the relative positions between the fabric shaft and drive device, ensuring precise alignment and preventing undesirable rotations, thus eliminating light gaps and ensuring consistent awning positions.

Implementation Method 1

The adjustment device has a gear and a transmission element by means of which a rotary movement can be transmitted from the gear to the cloth shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the transmission element is in a rotationally fixed and displaceable manner relative to the gear mechanism and can be moved between a functional position and a release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque transmission: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP4006257B1Shading device
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 STOBAG
  • EP4006257B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006257B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A shading device comprises a fabric that can be wound onto and unwound from a fabric roller and an adjustment device by means of which a rotary motion can be applied to the fabric roller. The adjustment device includes a gearbox and a transmission element by means of which a rotary motion can be transferred from the gearbox to the fabric roller. The transmission element is mounted so as to be rotationally fixed and slidably relative to the gearbox and can be moved between a working position and a release position. Furthermore, the transmission element is slidably mounted on the fabric roller and is rotationally locked to the fabric roller in the working position. In the release position, the fabric roller is rotatable relative to the transmission element.