Single Motor Sunscreen Assembly with Selective Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sunscreen assemblies with two driving means increase cost, weight, and dimensions, making them unsuitable for compact spaces like vehicle roofs.
Innovation Solution
A sunscreen assembly with a single driving mechanism that can alternately wind off one sunscreen while the other remains fully wound, using a single electric motor to drive both sunscreens via engagement members and a toothed belt system, reducing the need for separate motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two separate driving means are used for each sunscreen, then each sunscreen can be driven independently, but the cost, weight, and dimensions of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate driving means into a single driving mechanism that can alternately drive both sunscreens. The driving means includes a single motor connected to a transmission mechanism with two output shafts, allowing one motor to perform the function of two separate motors while reducing overall weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single driving means is designed with multi-functionality to drive either sunscreen independently or both sunscreens in coordinated fashion. The transmission mechanism allows the single motor to selectively engage with either winding shaft through clutch mechanisms, providing universal driving capability for both sunscreens.
2Ease of operation
If two separate driving means are used for each sunscreen, then each sunscreen can be driven independently, but the cost and dimensions of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor assemblies into a single compact driving mechanism positioned centrally. This centralization reduces the overall footprint by eliminating redundant components and optimizing space utilization in the roof assembly.
3Weight of stationary object
If a single driving means is used for both sunscreens, then cost, weight, and dimensions are reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single driving means is segmented into modular components including a motor, transmission mechanism, and two independent output shafts with clutch mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while reducing overall complexity compared to a fully integrated system.
4Weight of stationary object
If a single driving means is used for both sunscreens, then cost, weight, and dimensions are reduced, but the operational versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism incorporates dynamic clutch mechanisms that allow the single motor to selectively engage with either winding shaft or both simultaneously. This dynamic engagement capability provides operational versatility equivalent to having two separate motors, allowing independent or coordinated operation of sunscreens as needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
A sunscreen assembly is provided comprising two sunscreens each having a first end which can be wound off or on a winding shaft for covering and freeing, respectively, an opening. Each winding shaft is pre-loaded for winding on the respective sunscreen and the assembly further comprises driving means for winding off the sunscreens. The winding shafts are positioned at opposite sides of the opening and only a single driving means is provided which, when operated in a first sense, is capable of winding off one of said sunscreens from its assigned winding shaft while the other sunscreen remains in its fully wound on position, and which, when operated in a second sense, is capable of winding off the other of said sunscreens from its assigned winding shaft while the one sunscreen remains in its fully wound on position.