Universal Rafter End Piece for Retractable Awnings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rafters and end pieces for retractable awnings are not versatile enough, requiring specific designs for each awning type, leading to high stock requirements for retailers and user inconvenience when awnings are replaced.
Innovation Solution
A versatile rafter end piece with a body featuring recessed engagement elements and a rotatable coupling, allowing connection to various awning types and orientations, including cassette designs, with optional detachable supports for enhanced adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end pieces are manufactured specifically for each awning type, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and stock requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece is designed with a universal body structure that can accommodate multiple engagement elements, allowing a single end piece to connect to different awning types (cassette, bagged, arched, flat) through selective engagement element configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized end pieces
Solution Approach 2:
The end piece is divided into modular components: a universal body and separate engagement elements. This segmentation allows the engagement elements to be selectively arranged or replaced to match different awning types while maintaining the same basic end piece structure, reducing inventory complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of rafters are manufactured for different awnings, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rafter is designed with a universal end piece that can interface with various awning types through different engagement element configurations, allowing one rafter design to serve multiple awning types across different brands rather than requiring specialized rafters for each awning type
3Ease of operation
If retailers stock a large variety of rafters, then customer service quality is improved, but loss of substance and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By providing customers with a single universal end piece design that can accommodate multiple awning types through selective engagement elements, retailers no longer need to maintain extensive inventory of specialized end pieces, significantly reducing stock requirements while still being able to service diverse customer needs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to an end piece for a rafter to be used to span between a vehicle side and an extended side of a retractable awning. The end piece has a rafter end and a mounting end. According to the invention it comprises a body comprising the mounting end, the body having a first engagement element and a second engagement element, the first and second engagement elements being arranged at a distance along a spacing direction from each other and defining a plane between them, wherein the body is recessed towards the rafter end of the end piece with respect to said plane. The invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising a such an end piece and support elements and/or a rafter.