Terrace Canopy Beam-Column Connection for Shifted Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terrace canopies with shifted columns face issues of bearing capacity, deformation, and damage due to high forces from variable loads, and require visible fastening means and complex assembly processes, which can lead to alignment deviations and water leakage.
Innovation Solution
A terrace canopy design using headboards secured to beam ends and columns, with aligned fastening channels and a connection element, allowing for strong connections, hidden fastening, and integrated water drainage without visible pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If brackets are used to connect the column to the beam, then the column can be shifted relative to the corner point, but the bearing capacity is reduced and deformation/damage occurs under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into multiple attachment points along the beam length, distributing the load across several locations rather than concentrating it at a single bracket connection point. This segmentation allows the column to be positioned anywhere along the beam while maintaining structural integrity through distributed load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function and positioning function are merged into a continuous attachment system rather than using separate brackets for support and separate mechanisms for positioning. The headboard with multiple attachment points simultaneously provides both structural support and position adjustability.
2Ease of manufacture
If brackets with visible fastening means are used, then the column can be connected to the beam, but the aesthetic appearance is degraded by visible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to the interior or hidden portions of the structure. The headboard design allows fasteners to be concealed within the beam structure or covered by aesthetic face elements, separating the functional fastening requirement from the aesthetic exterior surface.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary aesthetic cover or face element is introduced between the structural connection components and the exterior view. This intermediary element hides the fastening means while allowing the structural connection to function, mediating between the conflicting requirements of visible connection and aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If openings are made in the beam during assembly, then the brackets can be attached, but the alignment between beam and column deviates and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment points are preliminarily prepared during beam manufacturing with precise positioning built into the beam structure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field drilling and alignment adjustments during assembly, as the attachment locations are pre-established with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical alignment process during assembly is replaced by precision manufacturing features built into the beam. Instead of relying on field adjustment mechanisms, the design substitutes precision-cast or precision-milled attachment surfaces that automatically ensure accurate alignment when components are assembled.
4Device complexity
If the beam is milled out over a large portion, then the column can be recessed in, but the internal water drainage is interrupted causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The beam cross-section is modified locally only at the specific attachment points rather than over a large portion. This localized modification allows column attachment while preserving the continuous internal drainage pathway through the beam, maintaining the original water-tight integrity in the regions where drainage is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of removing excessive material for column accommodation, only the minimal necessary material is removed at the attachment points. This partial action approach achieves the connection function while leaving sufficient material intact to maintain the continuous drainage system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A terrace canopy comprising a column and a beam (5), the beam being supported by the column (70) at a position between its ends and the beam, at that location, having a recess (100) such that two to facing ends (103, 104) are present in the beam. Fastening means in the form of headboards (60) are provided between the ends of the beam and the column for attaching the beam to the column. The headboards each form a fastening element without a folding line, which creates a stronger connection between the column and the beam.