Winding Shaft Centering for Sun Screen Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sun screen assemblies for open roof constructions require precise initial mounting of the winding shaft, which is time-consuming, and existing fixing methods restrict the winding shaft's movement due to thermal expansion, leading to loss of centering and proper guiding functionality.
Innovation Solution
The sun screen assembly features two spring members and non-rotating members at opposite ends of the winding shaft, allowing limited movement in both longitudinal directions along the central axis, facilitated by pin and hole assemblies, enabling precise centering and guiding of the sun screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the winding shaft is fixed with precise initial mounting, then the sun screen can be properly centered and guided, but the installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static fixed mounting into a dynamic adjustable system. The winding shaft is equipped with adjustment mechanisms that allow it to be positioned and locked at the correct centering location after installation. This enables installers to quickly mount the shaft without precise pre-alignment, then use the adjustment mechanism to achieve proper centering, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining centering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding shaft incorporates self-centering features such as alignment marks, guide rails, or automatic positioning mechanisms that enable the shaft to self-adjust to the correct position during installation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for time-consuming manual centering operations while ensuring accurate positioning, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and centering precision.
2Device complexity
If the winding shaft is fixed in a single direction, then the fixing structure is simple, but thermal expansion causes the sun screen to shift from its centered position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the single-direction fixed mounting with a multi-directional adjustment system. The winding shaft can be adjusted in multiple directions (longitudinal and lateral) to compensate for thermal expansion and other dimensional changes. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains reliable centering stability while the locking mechanism keeps the structure relatively simple, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and centering stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow changes in the positioning parameters of the winding shaft in response to thermal expansion. The system can adapt its geometric parameters (position, orientation) to maintain proper centering despite temperature-induced dimensional changes, thereby maintaining reliability without overly complicating the fixing structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the winding shaft is allowed to move in both longitudinal directions, then thermal expansion is accommodated and centering is maintained, but the fixing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fixing structure into separate functional segments: one component handles longitudinal movement to accommodate thermal expansion, while another component maintains lateral centering. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function with simple design, and the combination of segments provides the full range of adaptability needed without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary adjustment mechanisms (such as adjustable mounting brackets, sliding mounts with locking features, or positionable fasteners) that mediate between the winding shaft and the fixed structure. These intermediaries enable the shaft to move in both longitudinal directions to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining proper centering, achieving adaptability without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
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
This solution ensures the sun screen remains perfectly centered and guided, reducing installation time and accommodating thermal expansion, thus maintaining proper guiding functionality without requiring large forces or damaging fragile guide rail edges.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring member for loading the winding shaft in a direction for winding the sun screen thereon
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A sun screen assembly comprises a stationary central axis (1) mounted with its opposite ends in stationary mounts (2,3), a winding shaft (4) for a sun screen (5) rotatably mounted on said central axis (1) and two spring members (7) provided at opposite ends of the winding shaft (4) for loading the winding shaft (4) in a direction for winding the sun screen (5) thereon. Each spring member (7) with a first end is connected to the winding shaft (4) and with a second end is connected to a non-rotating member (8). The non-rotating members (8) and winding shaft (4) are in a limited way movable in both longitudinal directions of the central axis (1).