Sunshade Angular Inclination Mechanism with External Rack-and-Pinion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sunshade inclination adjustment mechanisms are limited in size and range, require significant physical effort, and are not suitable for large surfaces, often necessitating expensive adaptations and complex manual operation.

Innovation Solution

An externally actuated angular inclination mechanism positioned between the ends of the sunshade container, utilizing a rack-and-pinion system for continuous adjustment of the sunshade's inclination, allowing for easy and efficient adjustment of the sunshade's angle from 0° to 90° without the need for extensive modifications or additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional threaded rod and bolt adjustment mechanisms are used, then sunshade inclination can be adjusted, but the mechanism size is limited and requires significant physical effort especially for large surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePhysical effort required for adjustmentVSAvoidSunshade surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded rod and bolt mechanical system with a crank mechanism connected to a sector gear and pinion gear system. This substitution transforms the adjustment operation from direct linear force application to a rotational motion system with mechanical advantage, significantly reducing the physical effort required especially for large sunshade surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the adjustment mechanism by introducing a crank radius and gear ratio system. The crank converts small rotational movements into larger linear displacements of the bolt, while the sector gear and pinion gear provide additional mechanical multiplication, allowing easy adjustment of large surfaces through small input forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete adjustment with multiple holes on rotating plate is used, then inclination can be adjusted at specific positions, but continuous adjustment is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInclination adjustment rangeVSAvoidContinuity of adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the discrete hole-based positioning system with a continuous sector gear and pinion gear mechanism. The pinion gear can engage with any position along the sector gear arc, enabling continuous inclination adjustment rather than discrete steps, while maintaining adaptability through the adjustable crank radius.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If threaded rod is lengthened to increase adjustment stroke for large sunshades, then inclination adjustment range improves, but the container must be separated from supporting wall requiring additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInclination adjustment rangeVSAvoidAdditional closing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the crank mechanism, sector gear, and pinion gear system within the existing sunshade container structure. The mechanism components are arranged in a compact configuration that fits within the container's available space, eliminating the need to lengthen the threaded rod outside the container or separate the container from the supporting wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the space constraint by changing the dimensional arrangement of the mechanism. Instead of extending the adjustment stroke linearly outside the container, the mechanism uses rotational motion in a different dimensional plane (crank rotation) to achieve the required adjustment range within the container's footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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, continuous, and wide-range adjustment of sunshade inclination with reduced physical effort, suitable for large surfaces, and can be compactly integrated into existing sunshade designs, improving usability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a rack-and-pinion system for continuous adjustment of the sunshade's inclination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and pinion mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP2948604B1Angular inclination mechanism of a sunshade and sunshade comprising such mechanism

Publication Date: 2017.02.08 EUROFLEX

AI summary

The present invention refers to an angular inclination mechanism of a sunshade (1) comprising an outer container (5) which substantially develops in a longitudinal direction along an axis X-X between two opposite heads (6) and which defines an internal cavity (4) for housing a pipe (3) rotatably constrained to the ends and adapted to wind a canvas (2) which is moved by at least one articulated arm (8), the rotation mechanism (10) comprising transmission means (12) coupled to and actuated by an actuation group (13), said transmission means (12) being integral with and externally associated to the outer container (5) and being arranged in an intermediate position between said heads (6), said actuation group (13) comprising a pin (14) rotatably coupled to said transmission means (12) and adapted to put in rotation said outer container (5) around axis X-X by an axial rotation of said pin (14).