Retractable Roof And Facade Console With Dual EPDM Load Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable roofs and facades face challenges in safely transferring loads under varying conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and temperature-related expansions, leading to high stress on linear guides and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A console design featuring two elastomer (EPDM) bearings, one for vertical and one for horizontal loads, minimizes stress and allows for independent dimensioning, ensuring safe load transmission and reduced stress on linear guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single bearing design is used for both vertical and horizontal loads, then the structure is simpler, but the linear guide experiences higher stress and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is segmented into two independent elastomeric bearings: a first elastomeric bearing for vertical loads and a second elastomeric bearing for horizontal loads. This segmentation allows each bearing to be optimized for its specific load direction, reducing stress on the linear guide and extending service life while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Strength
If the console is designed to handle all load directions with a single bearing, then load safety is improved, but the linear guide experiences higher tension and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
Each elastomeric bearing is designed with local quality optimized for its specific function: the first elastomeric bearing is configured for vertical load compression, while the second elastomeric bearing is configured for horizontal load absorption. This localized optimization ensures safe load transmission in each direction while minimizing overall stress on the linear guide, thereby extending its service life.
3Reliability
If elastomeric bearings are used for both vertical and horizontal loads with independent dimensioning, then load transmission safety is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two elastomeric bearings are independently dimensioned based on their respective load requirements. The first elastomeric bearing is sized for vertical load capacity, while the second elastomeric bearing is sized for horizontal load capacity. This parameter-based independent dimensioning allows each bearing to be optimized for its specific load case, ensuring safe load transmission while maintaining design efficiency through systematic sizing procedures.
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 console design extends the service life of linear guides, reduces costs, and enables aesthetically pleasing, slim solutions by using off-the-shelf components, while maintaining safety and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastomeric bearing, in particular a first EPDM bearing, is deposited between the base surface of the load introduction plate and the first bearing plate
Implementation Method 2
a second elastomeric bearing, in particular a second EPDM bearing, is deposited between the second bearing plate and the side surface of the load introduction plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a console with the aid of which large roofs and facade elements can be horizontally or vertically retracted.