Modular courtyard pergola and assembly method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular pergolas suffer from structural looseness and water leakage in interface connections, compromising stability and waterproofing performance.
Innovation Solution
The modular courtyard pergola employs inclined sockets on crossbeams that form openings to connect with column sockets, using upper and lower connectors to enhance stability and flexibility, and incorporates a cover plate and drainage assembly to minimize water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If direct connection between crossbeams and columns is used, then assembly is simple, but structural stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting assembly as an intermediary component between crossbeams and columns. This connecting assembly includes connection pieces with inclined sockets that mate with column sockets, providing a stable interface without requiring direct complex welding or bolting between structural members. The connection piece acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall assembly while ensuring structural stability through precise geometric fitting.
2Ease of operation
If modular components are used, then transportation and assembly are convenient, but interface connections suffer from looseness and water leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly is nested within the joint interface between crossbeams and columns. The connection pieces with inclined sockets are inserted into column sockets, and crossbeams are then nested onto these connection pieces. This nested arrangement creates multiple levels of interference fit and mechanical interlocking, preventing looseness while maintaining modular assembly convenience. The nested structure also naturally shields the connection interface from water ingress.
3Strength
If connection area is increased, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inclined sockets at 45 degrees that extend in multiple spatial dimensions. This angular, multi-dimensional configuration allows the connection interface to engage across several dimensions simultaneously, increasing the effective connection area and strength without requiring a larger or more complex assembly structure. The inclined geometry transforms a simple socket insertion into a multi-dimensional mechanical lock.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular pergola including a plurality of columns (1) which are vertically erected, crossbeams (2) and screen assemblies (4) that are horizontally arranged between adjacent ones of the plurality of columns. The pergola further includes connecting assemblies configured to connect the plurality of columns with the crossbeams, where a top of each of the plurality of columns is provided with a socket end (12) corresponding to a respective one of the connecting assemblies, two ends of each of the crossbeams are provided with inclined sockets (21), one of the inclined sockets of each of the crossbeams is combined with a respective one of the inclined sockets of a respective adjacent one of the crossbeams to match the socket end, and the cover plate is hermetically inserted into tops of the crossbeams to cover the connecting assemblies.