Lightweight Pergola Structure With Concealed Beams and Slats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden pergolas often have exposed beams and slats, which affect their aesthetic appeal and require complex assembly, and there is a need for improved design adaptability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight construction element featuring a support structure with concealed beams and slats, utilizing overbeams with closed cross-sections for enhanced strength and ease of assembly, incorporating removable and interchangeable functional devices like misting, sound, and lighting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If beams and slats are exposed in the pergola structure, then the construction is simpler and stronger, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the visual prominence of beams and slats through the overbeam configuration. The overbeam conceals the supporting beam and slat edges from view, extracting the aesthetic imperfection from the overall structure while maintaining the underlying structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The overbeam is positioned to envelop or nest around the supporting beam and slats, creating a layered structure where the overbeam acts as an outer shell that hides the inner structural elements. This nesting approach allows the functional components to remain while achieving a cleaner aesthetic appearance.
2Ease of operation
If traditional beam structures are used, then the construction is more robust, but the assembly becomes more complex and requires specialized labor
Solution Approach 1:
The pergola structure is divided into modular components including the supporting beam, slats, and overbeam that can be assembled independently. The overbeam is designed as a separate element that attaches to the supporting beam, allowing for simplified assembly steps and reducing the need for specialized construction labor while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pergola is designed for high adaptability to various spaces, then the design flexibility is improved, but the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The overbeam design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it conceals the supporting beam and slats for aesthetic purposes, provides additional structural support, and offers mounting surfaces for functional devices. This multi-functionality achieves high design adaptability across various spaces without increasing construction complexity, as the same component addresses multiple requirements.
4Weight of moving object
If the supporting beam is made hollow to reduce weight, then the ease of transport and assembly is improved, but the strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting beam utilizes hollow cross-sectional geometry that optimizes the distribution of material to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio. The hollow structure maintains structural integrity while reducing weight for easier transport and assembly, and the overbeam provides additional protective and aesthetic layers without significantly increasing overall weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
Lightweight construction element (1), in particular a pergola, comprising a support structure (2) and slats (8) carried by the support structure (2), the support structure (2) comprising: - at least one post (3), - at least one supporting beam (4), - at least one overbeam (10) of generally elongated shape attached to the supporting beam (4), the overbeam (10) having at least one closed contour cross-section.