Canopy Support Arm Assembly for On-Site Length and Level Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cantilevered canopy assemblies are difficult to modify on-site without damaging their appearance or structural integrity, particularly when modifications are needed to fit specific building facades, and they lack the ability to adjust for leveling.
Innovation Solution
A canopy support arm assembly featuring a support tube for compression loads and a threaded rod for tension loads, allowing for on-site assembly and modification without welding, with components that can be cut to size and concealed to maintain aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a canopy support arm assembly is manufactured as a complete unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but on-site modification becomes impossible and installation flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy support arm assembly is divided into multiple segments including a first support arm, a second support arm, and a support tube that can be assembled on-site. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with controlled structural integrity, while enabling flexible on-site assembly and modification to fit different building facades and spacing requirements
2Ease of operation
If a canopy support arm assembly is designed for easy on-site assembly, then installation flexibility improves, but structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is positioned between the first support arm and the second support arm, creating a nested configuration where the tube serves as a structural core. This nested design allows for straightforward on-site assembly by simply positioning components around the tube, while the tube itself provides significant structural strength and stability to the overall assembly
3Shape
If a canopy support arm assembly uses concealed components, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is concealed within the canopy support arm assembly structure, positioned between the first and second support arms. This nesting approach hides the tube from external view, maintaining aesthetic appearance, while the tube's presence simplifies the overall assembly by providing a central structural element around which other components can be easily configured
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 easy on-site assembly and modification of canopy support arms while maintaining structural support and leveling adjustments, ensuring a pristine appearance and adaptability to various building facades without compromising the assembly's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod that provides tension load capability to the support arm assembly
Implementation Method 2
a support tube that provides compression load capability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a canopy support arm assembly formed from a support tube having a continuous sidewall that can be cut to size at a job site. The support tube is coupled on each end by base elements having a receiver end sized for receipt of the end of the support tube and a conical shaped barrel having threads formed along an outer surface. An aperture passes through each threaded end for receipt of a threaded rod that is constructed and arranged to extend through the threaded ends and aperture using nut fasteners to provide a compression force between the elements. A first connector having a threaded receptacle engages the threaded end of the first base element, concealing one of the nut fasteners. A second connector having a threaded receptacle engages the threaded end of the second base element, concealing the other nut fastener.