Pergola Support Platform for Variable Floor Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support platforms for pergolas face challenges in accommodating floors of varying thicknesses without structural complications or operational difficulties, particularly when installed on irregular or yieldable soil.
Innovation Solution
A support platform design featuring a perimeter frame with adjustable covering profiles, where the adjustment bodies are formed by corresponding portions of the floor elements, allowing the covering profiles to be positioned at the same height as the floor surface regardless of thickness variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If covering profiles are fixed at a predetermined height on the perimeter frame, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate floors of different thicknesses without creating steps or aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The covering profiles are made adjustable in height through a positioning system that allows vertical movement along the perimeter frame. The profiles can be set at different heights corresponding to different floor thicknesses, transforming a static fixed-structure into a dynamic adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The height parameter of the covering profiles is made variable through the positioning system. By changing the vertical position parameter of the profiles along the perimeter frame, the system adapts to different floor thicknesses without requiring structural modifications.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom positioning systems are designed for each floor thickness, then precise coupling is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal positioning system is designed that can accommodate multiple floor thicknesses. The positioning system includes adjustable mechanisms that work for various floor types and thicknesses, eliminating the need for multiple custom-designed positioning systems for different floor specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into modular components including adjustable support elements and positioning mechanisms that can be configured for different heights. This segmentation allows the same system to be adapted to various floor thicknesses through reconfiguration rather than custom manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If covering profiles are positioned higher to accommodate thick floors, then all floors can be accommodated, but trip hazards are created and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The covering profile height is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The profiles can be positioned at the optimal height for each specific floor thickness, ensuring they remain flush with the floor surface to eliminate trip hazards and maintain aesthetics while accommodating various floor types.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
Support platform (1) for pergolas, which comprises a perimeter frame (2) which supports a floor (4) formed by multiple covering elements (9) with plate-like shape having a thickness (SP), and a covering profile (13), which is placed on the perimeter frame (2) along the perimeter edge (8) of the floor (4). The support platform (1) also comprises multiple adjustment bodies (17) placed in a positioning seat (15) of the perimeter frame (2) and against which the covering profile (13) is abutted in order to maintain it at a height corresponding to that of the floor (4). For such purpose, the adjustment bodies (17) are formed by corresponding portions of the covering elements (9) of the floor (4) having the same thickness (SP), thus to be able to adapt the position of the covering profile (13) as a function of the thickness of the covering elements (9).