Pergola Crossbeam-Column Arrangement with Integrated Gutter Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pergola structures face structural issues when the crossbeam and column widths are matched, leading to insufficient space for housing the motor and mechanism of the shading mechanism, and rainwater accumulation within the crossbeam, which complicates maintenance and increases the risk of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A crossbeam and column arrangement where the crossbeam and column have the same width, integrating a longitudinal gutter within the crossbeam, allowing space for the motor and mechanism, and directing rainwater into the column through an internal seal, with the gutter portion being removable for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the crossbeam width is reduced to match the column width, then the aesthetic uniformity is improved, but the space for housing the motor and mechanism becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the gutter laterally into the crossbeam structure, utilizing the width dimension of the crossbeam for the gutter rather than extending it beyond the crossbeam width. This allows the motor housing space to be created within the depth dimension of the crossbeam, enabling both aesthetic uniformity and adequate space for mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter is nested within the crossbeam structure, with the gutter cross-section being integrated into the crossbeam's internal volume. This nesting arrangement allows the motor and mechanism to be housed within the remaining space of the crossbeam without requiring additional width beyond the column width.
2Ease of operation
If the crossbeam is designed with top-opening for accessibility, then the motor access is improved, but the structural strength is weakened and requires larger cross-sections
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the top of the crossbeam for accessibility, the patent provides access to the motor and mechanism through the side of the crossbeam. This inversion of the access approach allows the top remains closed and structurally intact, maintaining beam strength while still enabling easy access to maintenance components.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the gutter is mounted on the crossbeam with external connection, then the rainwater drainage is achieved, but water accumulation and leaks occur at the joint over time
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter is merged with the crossbeam into a single integrated structure, eliminating the separate joint connection between gutter and crossbeam. The gutter cross-section is formed as part of the crossbeam itself, creating a seamless integration that prevents water accumulation and eliminates the reliability issues associated with external joints and seals.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the gutter cross-section extends beyond the crossbeam width, then the rainwater flow capacity is improved, but the total width of the crossbeam becomes larger than the column width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the rainwater flow capacity enhancement from the width dimension to the depth dimension of the crossbeam. The gutter is formed within the crossbeam's depth, allowing adequate flow capacity while maintaining the crossbeam width equal to the column width for aesthetic uniformity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention discloses a crossbeam (1) and column (2) arrangement for a pergola frame structure, wherein a column (2) is arranged and a crossbeam (1) having a cavity (4) is connected to the column (2), and the crossbeam (1) is provided with a longitudinal gutter (5). The crossbeam (1) having a lower (6a) and upper (6f) side wall (6a) bounding the cavity (4), and a first (61) and second (62) side wall connected to the lower and upper side walls (6a, 6f). A portion of one of the first and second side walls (61, 62) is formed as a gutter (5) extending along the entire length of the side wall (61, 92) and the width (Sz) of the lower side wall (6a) of the crossbeam (1) is the maximum width (Sz) of the crossbeam (1), which is equal to the width (Sz) of the column (2).