Outdoor Framing Module for Pergola Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional outdoor framing work, such as pergolas, is complex and requires professional knowledge, involving various hardware fixtures that increase complexity, inventory difficulties, and costs, while also being aesthetically displeasing.
Innovation Solution
The development of outdoor framing modules that attach horizontal beams to vertical posts, featuring symmetric designs with horizontal and vertical receivers, allowing for easy assembly and multiple configuration options, reducing the need for multiple hardware types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional outdoor framing work uses various hardware fixtures to secure lumber in different configurations, then the structure can be assembled, but the complexity of the work increases and inventory management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The framing module is designed as a universal connection device that can accommodate multiple lumber configurations (perpendicular, parallel, angled) and different lumber sizes through adjustable components. A single module type replaces the need for multiple specialized hardware fixtures, providing multi-functional adaptability while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The framing system is divided into discrete, standardized modules that can be independently assembled in different configurations. Each module contains integrated connection mechanisms that handle multiple functions, allowing the structure to be segmented into repeatable units rather than requiring custom hardware for each connection point
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional framing hardware is used to secure lumber, then the structure can be built, but additional work and hardware are required to cover and hide the hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function and the aesthetic cover function are merged into a single integrated component. The module's fastening mechanisms are designed to be concealed within the module housing itself, eliminating the need for separate cover plates or decorative hardware that would otherwise be required to hide traditional exposed fasteners
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multitude of hardware is used for different structure configurations, then various framing needs can be met, but inventory difficulty and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized module design serves multiple framing purposes through adjustable components and versatile connection mechanisms. The module can be configured for different lumber sizes, angles, and orientations, replacing the need to stock multiple specialized hardware types, thereby reducing inventory quantity while maintaining framing configuration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The module incorporates adjustable parameters such as configurable fastening positions, variable angle connections, and adaptable clamp mechanisms that can be adjusted to meet different framing requirements. This parametric flexibility allows one hardware type to replace multiple fixed-configuration hardware variants
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor framing module to connect a beam to a post. A pair of modules are combinable in an inverse orientation. The module has first and second receivers affixed to one another and oriented perpendicular to one another. The first receiver being a blind receiver to capture the horizontal beam. The first receiver having a first opening, a first perimeter collar, and a first vertical dimension across. The second receiver being a through receiver directly affixed to the first receiver to capture the vertical post. The second receiver having opposite openings spaced-apart from one another, a second perimeter collar, and a second vertical dimension less than the first dimension. One of the opposite openings being positioned flush with a side of the first perimeter collar of the first blind receiver and the other opposite opening being positioned intermediate opposite sides of the first perimeter collar of the first blind receiver.