Modular Outdoor Structure Polymer Panels Veneer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Outdoor kitchens are labor-intensive and expensive to assemble, particularly when aiming to match the appearance of adjacent structures, as they require skilled labor and materials like brick or stone, which are costly and difficult to handle.

Innovation Solution

A modular outdoor structure using structural polymer panels with a thickness of at least 2.54 cm, combined with veneer and structural bond adhesive, forming a compressive strength of at least 172 kPa, allowing for a lightweight, durable, and adaptable construction that can be handled by individuals, eliminating the need for skilled masons and internal frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional brick or stone materials are used for outdoor kitchen construction, then the appearance can be made to match adjacent houses, but the construction becomes labor-intensive and requires skilled masons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance qualityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The outdoor kitchen structure is divided into modular panels, each comprising a structural polymer core with veneer facing. These pre-fabricated modules can be easily assembled without skilled masonry work, eliminating the need for traditional bricklaying while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite panels combining structural polymer material with veneer facing. This composite structure provides both the structural integrity needed for load-bearing walls and the aesthetic veneer surface that matches traditional brick or stone appearances, all in factory-prepared modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If skilled masons are hired to construct the outdoor kitchen, then the quality and appearance can be ensured, but the construction cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction qualityVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The outdoor kitchen panels are pre-fabricated in the factory with veneer already adhered to the structural polymer cores. This preliminary assembly ensures construction quality is built-in during manufacturing, and the panels are ready for simple on-site installation without requiring skilled masons, thereby reducing construction costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional masonry materials like brick are used, then the structure can be made durable, but the construction time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural durabilityVSAvoidconstruction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into pre-fabricated panels that maintain full structural durability through their composite construction. These modules can be rapidly assembled on-site, dramatically increasing construction speed compared to traditional masonry while preserving the durability needed for outdoor kitchen applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Weight of moving object

If lightweight materials are used for the outdoor structure, then the structure becomes easier to handle and assemble, but the compressive strength may be insufficient to support heavy components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel weightVSAvoidcompressive strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The panels use a composite construction with structural polymer providing lightweight strength and veneer providing surface durability. The structural polymer core delivers sufficient compressive strength to support heavy outdoor kitchen components while keeping the overall panel weight significantly lower than traditional masonry materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution significantly reduces construction time and cost, providing a strong, adaptable, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor structure that can support heavy components like grills and countertops, while being easier to assemble and maintain, with a weight reduction of up to 70% compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

structural bond adhesive for directly adhering the veneer members onto the at least one structural polymer panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3614893B1Outdoor structure and kit for an outdoor structure
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 OLDCASTLE ARCHITECTURAL
  • EP3614893B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3614893B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3614893B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An outdoor structure includes a plurality of vertically extending walls joined together to form a standing structure surrounding an interior volume. Each of the walls includes a structural polymer panel and a veneer directly adhered to the structural polymer panel. The standing structure can be frameless and supportless. The standing structure can bear at least 90% of a load of the standing structure.