Modular Outdoor Structure Panel and Rod Attachment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor structures lack modular and secure attachment systems for panels and rods, making it difficult to assemble and disassemble components without tools and ensuring stability.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor structure incorporates a panel support system with external slots and locking pieces, allowing for secure attachment of panels using bolts and locking pieces, and a rod support system with spacers and snap-fit mechanisms for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional attachment systems are used for panels and rods in outdoor structures, then structural stability is maintained, but assembly and disassembly require tools and are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: external slots on posts, removable locking pieces, panel supports with mounting holes, and rod supports with spacers. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, enabling tool-free quick assembly while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The external slots are pre-formed on the posts during manufacturing, and the locking pieces are pre-configured with engagement features. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations, as components simply need to be inserted and locked into place without requiring tools or complex alignment procedures.
2Ease of operation
If modular attachment systems are implemented for panels and rods, then assembly ease is improved, but structural integrity and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Panel supports and rod supports act as intermediary components between the modular attachment elements (locking pieces, external slots) and the structural elements (panels, rods, posts). These intermediaries distribute loads across multiple contact points and provide rigid connection points, ensuring that the modular assembly system maintains structural integrity comparable to traditional fixed attachment methods.
3Reliability
If traditional fixed attachment methods are used, then structural integrity is ensured, but assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The locking pieces can be quickly engaged and disengaged from the external slots, allowing the structure to be assembled or disassembled in minutes rather than hours, while the rigid geometry of the slots and locking features ensures that when engaged, the connection provides sufficient structural integrity.
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. Further, the outdoor structure includes a plurality of panel supporting elements secured to the posts. In some examples, one or more panels are secured to the panel supporting elements. In some examples, the outdoor structure includes a plurality of rod supporting elements secured to the posts. In some examples, a rod is secured to the plurality of rod supporting elements.