Modular Prismatic Joints for Durable Hollow Shade Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shade structures with hollow or partially hollow structural elements face issues such as limited durability, complex assembly procedures, and inadequate resistance due to worn-out fixing systems and the need for specialized tools and shaped structural elements.

Innovation Solution

A modular system of prismatic joints with square or rectangular cross sections, featuring internal and terminal joints with aligned holes for secure screw fixation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without visible connections, and made from materials like aluminum or plastics for enhanced durability and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixing systems with screws and brackets are used to connect hollow structural elements, then the structure can be assembled, but the fixing system wears out easily and cannot be removed and reassembled indefinitely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of fixing systemVSAvoidnumber of assembly-disassembly cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a connection element with external threading and a corresponding receptacle with internal threading. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables repeated assembly and disassembly without wear, as the threading interfaces are designed for multiple engagements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection element acts as an intermediary component that mediates the connection between two structural elements. Rather than directly screwing one element into another, the connection element provides a standardized interface with external threads that engage with internal threads in the receptacle, enabling reliable and repeatable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If angle connectors with visible centre bodies are used to connect structural elements, then connections can be made, but the joints remain visible and the assembly requires good manual skills and expertise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visible centre body of traditional angle connectors is extracted and replaced by concealed connection elements. The connection elements are inserted within the hollow structural elements, hiding the connection mechanism from view. This extraction simplifies the overall connector design and eliminates the need for complex multi-component angle connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection element is designed to be self-aligning and self-explanatory in its installation. The external threading naturally guides the connection element into the correct position within the structural element, eliminating the need for specialized tools or expert manual skills. The design is intuitive enough that anyone can assemble it without training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If connection elements are inserted in hollow structural elements for connection, then structural elements can be connected, but the thickness is not sufficient for stable screw anchorage requiring additional threaded bushes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of connectionVSAvoidnumber of connection components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of the connection element and the threaded bushing are merged into a single integrated component. The connection element itself possesses external threading that engages with the internal threading of the receptacle, eliminating the need for separate threaded bushes. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining strong screw anchorage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If hollow structural elements are specially shaped with grooves and inner seats to house connection elements, then connections can be made, but the production costs increase and the elements are not modular

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodularity of structural elementsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the hollow structural elements to accommodate connection elements (grooves and inner seats), the approach is inverted: the connection elements are designed to fit within standard, unmodified hollow structural elements. The receptacle is formed within the structural element to receive the connection element, eliminating the need for special shaping and enabling modular, cost-effective production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10724267B2Structure with hollow or partially hollow structural elements, with modular and improved system of joints

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 ESDRA SRL UNIPERSONALE

AI summary

A structure with hollow or partially hollow structural elements for shade structures, such as gazebos, sunshades, beach umbrellas or covering structures in general, or adapted to be used for furniture, includes a plurality of hollow or partially hollow structural elements and a system of joints configured to join the structural elements to one another.