Elastic Gridshell Structure for Stable Shaded Canopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures fail to efficiently create three-dimensional, aesthetically pleasing shaded areas with minimal footprint and stability, while also providing ecosystem services and potential for electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
A tubular elastic gridshell structure made of deformable rods, which can be transformed into a flared shape using connecting devices allowing free rotation and arbitrary angle deformation, anchored by a base that ensures stability and can be vegetated or equipped with solar panels and photovoltaic panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a mesh of elastic rods is deformed into a three-dimensional flared shape, then the structure gains aesthetic appeal and shading capability, but the structure loses stability and returns to its flat shape when forces are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-deforming the elastic rods into the desired three-dimensional flared shape during installation, then using connecting means to lock this configuration before the elastic memory causes it to return to flat. The structure is shaped in advance and then stabilized through additional constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connecting means (straps, spacers, or cables) as intermediary elements that act between the elastic rods to maintain the deformed configuration. These intermediaries prevent the rods from returning to their original flat state by providing continuous stabilizing force.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional straps, spacers, or cables are added to brace the mesh, then the structure maintains its three-dimensional shape, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing system is segmented into discrete connecting means (individual straps, spacers, or cables) that can be independently installed between specific rods. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplifies the overall complex system into manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means serve multiple functions: they brace the rods to maintain the three-dimensional shape, provide structural stability, and can potentially serve as attachment points for additional elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the structure is anchored in a heavy block, then the structure achieves stability with minimal footprint, but the weight of the stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional footprint to three-dimensional stability by anchoring the base of the flared structure into a heavy block. The stability is achieved through vertical anchoring and gravitational force rather than horizontal spreading, utilizing the third dimension (depth/weight) to compensate for minimal surface area.
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 structure maintains a stable, aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional shape, provides shaded areas, supports vegetation for ecosystem services, and can generate electricity with a minimal footprint, allowing for easy installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic gridshell is obtained by means of elastically deformable rods 1, initially arranged in a plane mesh
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a three-dimensional structure obtained from a tubular preform, which is obtained from a net of the Chebyshev type (with such a structure also being called "elastic gridshell") having a flared shape maintained by means selected from the group comprising hoops (5, 7, 9), spacers (11) and cables (11). The invention also relates to a method for installing such a structure, in which method the tubular preform is brought to the installation point, then deformations are applied to this preform that allow the final desired flared shape to be achieved. Particular application to the production of street furniture allowing shaded areas to be created in towns by cultivating everything that is fixed on a heavy container containing cultivated soil and the necessary devices.