Sunshade Switching Between Electric and Manual Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor sunshades are cumbersome and require labor-intensive manual operation, with electric models being unreliable when batteries run out of power, as they cannot be easily switched between manual and electric modes for folding, unfolding, or tilting.
Innovation Solution
A sunshade system that can be switched between manual and electric modes, featuring a motor-driven screw rod mechanism with a gear system allowing operation with or without electricity, enabling seamless transition between modes for easy folding, unfolding, and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric operating device is used to control unfolding or folding of the canopy, then operation convenience is improved, but reliability deteriorates when batteries run out of power
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is designed to perform both electric mode operation (when batteries are available) and manual mode operation (when batteries are depleted). The switchable mechanism allows the same device to universally handle both powered and unpowered scenarios, ensuring continuous functionality without requiring separate devices for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating device dynamically switches between electric and manual modes based on battery availability. The switchable connection mechanism allows the system to adapt its operation mode in real-time, transitioning from motor-driven operation to manual crank operation seamlessly depending on power availability.
2Reliability
If a manual operating device is used to fold or unfold the canopy, then reliability is improved, but operation efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device serves dual purposes: it can operate manually at any time (ensuring reliability) and can switch to electric mode when power is available (improving productivity). This multi-functional design eliminates the need to choose between reliable manual operation and fast electric operation, as both capabilities are integrated into a single switchable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate operation mode based on power availability. When batteries are charged, the electric mode provides fast operation; when depleted, the manual mode ensures continued functionality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity by allowing the system to optimize for speed when possible and ensure operation when necessary.
3Area of stationary object
If the sunshade is designed to be bulky and relatively high to provide large-area sunlight shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but ease of manual operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual operation system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor provides the necessary torque to operate the large, bulky sunshade structure without requiring significant manual effort. This substitution resolves the contradiction by allowing the sunshade to maintain its large shielding area while eliminating the operational difficulty associated with its size and weight.
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 efficient and convenient operation of the sunshade by allowing motor-driven operation when batteries are charged and manual operation when they are not, ensuring continuous functionality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to the lower end of the pole and configured to drive a driving gear
Implementation Method 2
a screw rod interlocked with the runner, wherein the screw rod includes a connecting end coupled to an actuating gear, and wherein rotation of the screw rod moves the runner towards or away from the hub
Implementation Method 3
a driven gear for electric mode movably and rotatably mounted between the actuating gear and the driving gear; a driving gear for manual mode movably and rotatably mounted between the actuating gear and the driving gear
Data Source
AI summary
A sunshade switchable between a manual mode and an electric mode includes an operating device having a shaft. A driven gear is rotatably coupled to the shaft. A driving gear for electric mode is rotatable in unison with the shaft. A runner interlocks with the shaft. The shaft is movable to couple with the driven gear for electric mode or the driving gear for manual mode. When the driven gear for electric mode is coupled with the shaft, a motor can be used to move the runner for folding, unfolding, tilting, or straightening the sunshade. When the driving gear for manual mode is coupled with the shaft, a handle can be operated to move the runner for folding, unfolding, tilting, or straightening the sunshade.