Adjustable Watercraft Awning with Multi-Position Frame and Self-Locking Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watercraft awnings are limited in their deployable positions, lack robustness, and require numerous moving parts, making them expensive and less reliable.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable watercraft awning system with a base, frame members, and an actuator that allows for multiple deployable positions, featuring a rotation limiting mechanism and a self-locking biasing mechanism to enhance stability and reduce the number of parts, utilizing a flexible cover that unfolds and retracts based on the movement of frame members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional awning designs are used with multiple moving parts, then the awning can achieve multiple deployed positions, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frame members (first frame member with first and second bases, second frame member with intermediate region) into a integrated structure that operates as a unified mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate moving parts while maintaining the capability to achieve multiple deployed positions through the coordinated movement of the combined frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable deployment in multiple positions, and incorporate self-locking mechanisms. The first and second frame members work together to achieve various configurations (downward folded, radar position, fully deployed) without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional awning designs are used with limited frame structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and robustness of the awning decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The awning frame is segmented into distinct members (first frame member, second frame member) with specific pivot points and coupling regions. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized for strength while maintaining overall structural integrity. The first frame member connects to both bases, and the second frame member connects to the first frame member, creating a distributed load-bearing structure that enhances robustness without requiring excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are pre-configured with pivot points and coupling mechanisms that enable stable deployment. The first frame member is pivotally coupled to both bases, and the second frame member is pivotally coupled to the first frame member, establishing a predetermined structural framework that provides strength and stability before operation begins.
3Ease of operation
If conventional awning designs are used without rotation limiting features, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and precision of the deployed positions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members incorporate self-locking features that automatically engage at predetermined positions during deployment. As the first and second frame members move through their range of motion, the self-locking mechanisms automatically secure the structure at stable deployed positions (downward folded, radar position, fully deployed) without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring position stability.
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
The adjustable awning provides a wide range of configurations, increased robustness, and reduced part count, enhancing user flexibility and reliability while maintaining stability through elastic deflection and self-locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is coupled to transmit mechanical power to the second frame member
Implementation Method 2
the flexible cover is operative to unfold to a deployed position in response to moving the second frame member from the lowered position to the first raised position
Implementation Method 3
the flexible cover is operative to pull the first frame member from the lowered position to the raised position in response to moving the second frame member from the first raised position to the second raised position
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable watercraft awning includes a first base, a second base, a first frame member, a second frame member, an actuator, and a flexible cover. The first base is adapted to mount on a first side of a watercraft, and the second base is adapted to mount on a second side of the watercraft. The first frame member is pivotally coupled to a rear region of each of the first and second bases, and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The second frame member is pivotally coupled to a front region of each of the first and second bases, and is continuously movable between a lowered position and a first raised position and also between the first raised position and a second raised position. The actuator is coupled to transmit mechanical power to the second frame member only.