Canopy Cross Beam Segmentation and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stability of cross beams in canopies is compromised due to tilting and deformation under load, especially when elongated, which affects the fitting with coverings and makes assembly inconvenient, as existing split and telescopic structures fail to maintain alignment and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A cross beam design featuring hollow elongated beams with protrusions and mounting holes or grooves along their length, connected by a long rod and locking fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and alignment while distributing weight evenly and preventing tilting, with the long rod and fasteners ensuring stability and structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the cross beam is made as a single elongated structure, then the load-bearing capacity is reduced and the intermediate section is prone to bending and deformation, but increasing the length of the cross beam is necessary to meet market demands
Solution Approach 1:
The cross beam is divided into multiple beam segments that are connected in series. Each segment maintains sufficient structural strength while the overall assembly achieves the required length. The segmentation allows each component to bear load effectively without excessive bending, resolving the contradiction between length and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple beam segments are combined through connecting structures to form a unified cross beam assembly. The connecting structures integrate the segments while maintaining their individual strength characteristics, enabling the assembled beam to achieve both the required length and load-bearing capacity.
2Strength
If the cross beam is divided into multiple segments, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the assembly process becomes inconvenient requiring multiple installations and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structures are pre-designed with alignment features and connection interfaces that guide the beam segments into proper positions during assembly. This preliminary design of connection mechanisms eliminates the need for complex alignment operations, making the assembly process convenient despite having multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structures incorporate asymmetric features such as guide rails, positioning pins, or tapered interfaces that naturally align the beam segments during assembly. This asymmetric design ensures automatic alignment, reducing assembly complexity and improving ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cross beam segments are connected without adequate support at the junction, then the segments tilt downward under load affecting alignment and covering fit, but adding support structures increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure acts as an intermediary element between beam segments, providing support and preventing downward tilting. This intermediary connection structure integrates alignment and support functions, maintaining stability without requiring separate complex support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it connects beam segments, provides structural support, prevents tilting, and maintains alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, keeping the overall structure simple while ensuring stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a cross beam of a canopy, which addresses the problem that existing cross beams cannot simultaneously ensure convenience of assembly and guarantee stability in use. The present cross beam of a canopy comprises a plurality of hollow elongated beams, an inner side surface of each of the beams has at least one protruding and elongated protrusion along a length direction of the beams, each of the protrusions is provided with an mounting hole or a mounting groove penetrating along the length direction of the beams, at least one long rod is inserted into the mounting holes or the mounting grooves to connect all the beams in series, and two ends of the long rod protrude out of the beams and are detachably connected with a locking fastener respectively. The present invention ensures convenience of installation and guarantees the assembled cross beam has good stability.