Retractable Roof Load Transfer via Truss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outdoor enclosures are either permanently constructed or not selectively configurable, and many are not designed to withstand various weather conditions such as wind, rain, and snow, limiting their versatility and durability.

Innovation Solution

A retractable roof enclosure system with movable panels that can be fully opened or closed, featuring a frame with vertical posts and horizontal beams, and a load transfer structure with rollers to adjust load distribution, allowing for full exposure or coverage of the enclosed area, and capable of withstanding diverse weather conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the enclosure is permanently constructed to cover the predetermined area, then protection from elements is provided, but selectivity and configurability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from elementsVSAvoidselective configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The roof structure is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between covering and uncovered positions. The roof panels can be selectively retracted along tracks to expose the enclosed area or positioned to provide coverage, enabling dynamic adaptation to different weather conditions and user needs while maintaining structural protection when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the enclosure is configured for temporary use, then selectivity is improved, but ability to withstand weather conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective configurationVSAvoidweather resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roof is divided into multiple separate panels that can independently move along tracks. Each panel is a discrete unit that can be positioned independently, allowing selective coverage of different areas. This segmentation enables the structure to provide weather protection when needed while maintaining the ability to be selectively configured or fully retracted, bridging the gap between temporary flexibility and permanent durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the roof structure is made movable to allow selective configuration, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective configurationVSAvoidmovable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Track assemblies serve as intermediary structures that guide and constrain the movement of roof panels. These tracks provide a defined path for panel movement while supporting the panels during transition. The track system acts as a mediator between the movable panels and the fixed frame, simplifying the overall mechanism by providing a predetermined movement path rather than requiring complex active control systems for each panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11486140B2Retractable roof structure

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 CABRIO STRUCTURES LLC

AI summary

A retractable roof structure includes first and second roof support structures separated by a span distance, with first and second roof sections supported on the first and second roof support structures. A load transfer structure is configured to transfer load from a frame of the second roof section downwardly through a frame and truss structure of the first roof section to the first and second roof support structures.