Free-Standing Modular Deck Framing Without Ledger Board Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deck construction requires a ledger board attachment to a building, which is prone to moisture intrusion and deterioration, obstructs space beneath the deck, and lacks wind resistance, leading to potential damage during high-wind events.
Innovation Solution
A free-standing modular deck framing system using sheet metal support posts and beams, which can be attached to a building with metal ledger beams and brackets, and includes optional pergola or dome-like structures for shading, providing structural stability and modular design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a ledger board is attached to the building to support the deck, then the deck structure is stable and anchored, but the ledger board is prone to moisture intrusion and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ledger board from the building attachment system entirely. Instead of attaching the deck to the house via ledger boards, the deck is supported by freestanding posts anchored in the ground, extracting the problematic ledger board component from the structure while maintaining deck stability through alternative grounding methods.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ledger board is used to attach the deck to the building, then the deck is anchored securely, but space beneath the deck is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the ledger board attachment system, the patent eliminates the obstruction to space beneath the deck. The freestanding post configuration allows vertical clearance and open access to the area below the deck, transforming it from an obstructed space into an usable or accessible area.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wood-based deck framing is used, then the deck is easy to construct, but wind resistance is low and damage may occur during high-wind events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining metal framing members (providing high wind resistance and structural strength) with wood or composite decking surfaces. This composite approach maintains ease of construction through modular assembly while significantly improving wind resistance compared to conventional wood-only framing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the framing system from conventional wood to metal components, which have superior strength-to-weight ratios and wind resistance properties. This parameter change allows the deck to withstand high-wind events while maintaining relatively simple construction through standardized metal framing modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, free-standing deck framing system is disclosed that eliminates the need for a ledger board attachment to a building (house), yet retains the stability required for home construction standards. If desired, the sheet metal framing system may be attached to an existing building using metal ledger beams in combination with conventional metal brackets and fasteners. Various embodiments of the inventive framing system further include the capability to supplement the deck with a sheet metal pergola structure, including the capability of orienting the pergola slats (also referred to in some instances as “louvers”) for optimum shading capabilities.