Greenhouse Column Pivotal Foundation Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing greenhouses face vulnerabilities in the rigid connection between columns and foundation elements, particularly under high wind or snow loads, leading to potential structural instability.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally connected system where the column is connected to an elongated foundation element with coaxial holes and flanged edges for optimal pivotability, allowing for point contact and improved stability, with the column and foundation elements made of steel and designed for enhanced structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between columns and foundation elements, then structural stability is improved, but vulnerability under high wind or snow loads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid fixed connection with a pivotal connection that allows the column to rotate relative to the foundation element. This dynamic connection enables the structure to adapt to wind and snow loads by permitting controlled movement, thereby maintaining stability while reducing vulnerability under high loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid to pivotal, allowing rotational movement. This parameter change transforms the connection behavior from fixed to flexible, enabling the structure to withstand high wind or snow loads while maintaining structural stability through controlled rotation rather than rigid resistance.
2Reliability
If a pivotal connection is used between columns and foundation elements, then ability to withstand high loads is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connection creates a dynamic system where the column can rotate to absorb wind and snow loads. This dynamic capability allows the structure to withstand high loads while maintaining stability through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection acts as an intermediary element between the column and foundation element, mediating the forces from wind and snow loads. This intermediary allows controlled rotation to absorb loads while maintaining overall structural stability, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the foundation.
3Ease of operation
If flanged edges are designed to engage the column, then pivotability is improved, but contact area is reduced to point contact
Solution Approach 1:
The flanged edges are designed with local quality variation, narrowing in the direction towards the column to create point contact. This local geometric feature concentrates the contact at specific points, optimizing pivotability by reducing friction while maintaining adequate contact for structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The narrowing flanged edges create a dynamic contact condition that transitions from line contact to point contact during rotation. This dynamic contact pattern optimizes pivotability by minimizing frictional resistance while maintaining sufficient contact area for load bearing, resolving the contradiction between ease of rotation and contact area.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A greenhouse (1) comprising at least one gutter section (4) and a roof extending from said gutter section, which gutter section is supported by at least one column (2), wherein said roof comprises a ridge section (6) as well as spaced-apart glazing bars which are connected to an edge of the gutter section near one end and to the ridge section near the other end, and wherein roof elements (7) are provided between adjacent glazing bars, being supported in rabbets formed in said glazing bars and in a rabbet of the gutter section, a special feature being the fact that the column is pivotally connected to an elongated foundation element (9) at least partially disposed in the ground, wherein the end of the column that faces towards the ground is provided between two wall sections (10) positioned opposite each other, which wall sections extend upwards from an end of the foundation element that faces away from the ground, wherein said wall sections and said column are provided with coaxial holes for receiving a pivot pin (12) therethrough, and wherein each wall section comprises flanged edges that engage the column.