Sunshade Slat Tilt Control via Clutch Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior sunshade apparatuses have limitations in flexibility and reliability due to complex release mechanisms and security systems that depend on mechanical components prone to fatigue, restricting slat tilt beyond predetermined angles and requiring specific configurations for closure.
Innovation Solution
A sunshade apparatus with a ladder-like connecting mechanism, a closed loop lifting element, and a tilt pulley connected via a clutch allows for variable slat tilt in any configuration between gathered and extended positions, featuring a motor stop device and proximity sensor for enhanced security and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex release mechanism and mechanical security system are used, then security against manual movement is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to mechanical components prone to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical release mechanisms and security systems with an electronic control system. A motor drives the slats through a controlled mechanism, and an electronic sensor detects the extended configuration to activate a stop device, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components prone to fatigue and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sunshade apparatus uses its own motor and sensor system to automatically detect when it reaches the extended configuration and stops itself, without requiring external mechanical release mechanisms or separate security systems. The system serves its own control and security functions through integrated electronic components.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical security components are used to prevent manual movement, then security is improved, but the components are prone to fatigue and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical security components with an electronic control system where a motor provides controlled movement and an electronic stop device prevents manual operation. This substitution eliminates mechanical fatigue issues while maintaining security and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If the lifting shaft is used for both lifting and tilting functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the mechanism requires complex release mechanisms limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lifting and tilting functions into separate mechanisms. The lifting shaft handles only lifting motion, while a separate tilt mechanism with its own shaft handles tilting. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex release mechanisms and allows independent control of lifting and tilting, greatly improving flexibility and adaptability.
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, precise, and flexible slat tilt adjustment across various configurations, improving reliability and security by preventing manual movement and detecting obstacles, thus enhancing the overall performance and durability of the sunshade system.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch (14) comprises an annular friction element which defines at least one contact surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the lifting shaft (6)
Data Source
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AI summary
A sunshade apparatus (1) comprises: a plurality of slats (2); a connecting mechanism (7) configured to connect together the slats (2) and rotate them about respective longitudinal axes; a lifting shaft (6), coupled to a motor (13); a lifting element (9) connected to the last slat (2a), distal from the lifting shaft (6), to move the slats (2) in the direction of movement when the lifting shaft 6 is rotated; a connecting structure for connecting the lifting element (9) to the last slat; a tilt pulley (11) connected to the connecting mechanism (7), to actuate it in order to modify the tilt of the slats (2), and operatively connected to the lifting shaft (6) by means of a clutch (14), so that a rotation of the lifting shaft in a first direction causes the tilt pulley to rotate up to a configuration of maximum or minimum tilt of the slats and a further rotation of the lifting shaft in the first direction causes the tilt pulley to slip on the clutch; a stop device for stopping the motor (13) and an activating element configured to activate the stop device to inhibit operation of the motor (13). The connecting structure defines a clearance, along the direction of movement, between the lifting element (9) and the last slat (2a), so that the last slat (2a) is movable between a first and a second position along the direction of movement, relative to a stretch of the lifting element (9) to which it is connected, in order to activate the activation element.