Nested Hollow Beam Assembly for Long-Span Screen Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screen enclosure beams lack flexibility in connecting screen panels and often require multiple beams to achieve desired configurations, leading to structural limitations and reduced viewing areas due to the need for numerous support posts.
Innovation Solution
A structural beam assembly comprising a hollow beam and a web beam that geometrically cooperate, allowing for enhanced connectivity and rigidity, enabling longer spans without additional support posts, and providing improved structural strength and reduced deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rectangular beams are used with standard orientation, then structural strength against gravity is maximized, but design flexibility and connectivity for screen panels are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The web beam is nested within the hollow beam, creating a composite structure where the web beam fits inside the hollow beam's cavity. This nested configuration allows the assembly to achieve greater structural strength while maintaining design flexibility, as the inner web beam can be oriented independently to provide connectivity without compromising the outer beam's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The web beam introduces an additional structural dimension by being positioned inside the hollow beam rather than requiring separate external beams. This internal dimensionality allows for enhanced connectivity options and design flexibility without adding external complexity or requiring additional support posts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional beams are assembled to achieve desired configurations, then connectivity is improved, but structural complexity and number of support posts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The web beam and hollow beam are merged into a single integrated assembly where the web beam is positioned inside the hollow beam. This merging combines the functionality of multiple separate beams into one unified structure, providing enhanced connectivity and structural strength without increasing the number of individual components or support posts required.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow beam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary structural framework, contains the web beam for enhanced connectivity, and maintains design flexibility. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate beams for each function, reducing structural complexity while improving connectivity capabilities.
3Length of stationary object
If more support posts are installed to provide structural support, then beam span capability is improved, but viewing area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the web beam inside the hollow beam, the assembly achieves greater structural strength and span capability without requiring additional external support posts. The nested configuration maximizes the use of space within the existing beam structure, allowing longer spans while maintaining clear viewing areas free of obstructing posts.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam assembly functions as a composite structure with the web beam and hollow beam working together to provide enhanced structural performance. This composite approach enables the beam to span greater distances with the same or fewer support posts, thereby preserving larger uninterrupted viewing areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100), including: a hollow beam (200) configured to constitute at least part of a screen enclosure and including: plural sides (204, 206, 208, 210); and two spline grooves (204A, 204B, 206A, 206B, 208A, 208B, 210A, 210B) formed in each side of the plural sides. Each spline groove of the two spline grooves extends along a longitudinal axis (250) of the hollow beam and is configured to receive therein a respective screen spline. Each spline groove is formed in part by a respective cantilevered lip (204AL, 204BL, 206AL, 206BL, 208AL, 208BL, 210AL, 210BL) that extends along the longitudinal axis of the hollow beam and each cantilevered lip is configured to cooperate with the respective screen spline to trap screen therein. The respective lips cantilever in opposite directions.