Motorized Louver Outdoor Structure with Clamped Beam Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor structures with shifting roofing panels lack efficient mechanisms for motorized or manual operation, leading to instability and limited control over panel positioning.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor structure incorporates a motor assembly coupled to a plurality of louvers, with a beam and post assembly featuring clamping elements and slots for secure attachment, allowing for controlled rotation of the louvers between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation is used for roofing panels, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor assembly that rotates the roofing panels. The motor assembly includes a motor, a first wheel operatively coupled to the motor, and a shaped pin received within an opening in the first wheel, creating a mechanical transmission system that converts motor rotation into panel rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motor assembly as an intermediary between the control system and the roofing panels. The motor assembly acts as a mediator that translates electrical signals into mechanical rotation, providing controlled and precise panel positioning without direct manual intervention.
2Device complexity
If simple attachment mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment mechanism into multiple independent components: a clamping element, a lip, a first plate, a second plate, and slot-forming plates. Each component performs a specific function, and together they create a reliable attachment system that distributes mechanical loads across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or shaped features in the attachment mechanism, including a shaped pin received within an opening in the first wheel, and curved clamping surfaces. These curved geometries provide better contact distribution and mechanical interlocking compared to simple flat surfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed panel positions are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the roofing panels from a fixed position system to a dynamic system where panels can be rotated to various positions. The motor assembly enables continuous adjustment of panel angles, allowing the structure to adapt to different lighting, privacy, and ventilation requirements while maintaining precise positioning through controlled motor operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor structure is disclosed. In some examples, the outdoor structure includes a front beam, a back beam opposite the front beam, and a first side beam and a second side beam each coupled to the front beam and the back beam. The outdoor structure also includes a plurality of posts coupled to one or more of the beams, and a plurality of louvers coupled to the front and back beams. Further, the front beam includes a motor assembly operably coupled to the plurality of louvers and configured to rotate the plurality of louvers. In some examples, one or more of the beams and one or more of the posts include lighting elements. In some examples, the outdoor structure includes a display unit that allows for opening and closing the plurality of louvers, and for turning on and off the one or more lighting elements.