Slat Roof Core Structure for Uniform Deflection Under Added Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slat roofs face issues with deflection differences between adjacent slats due to integrated components, leading to visual disturbances and compromised watertightness.

Innovation Solution

A slat roof design featuring a separate elongated core within the slat, allowing functional components to be attached without affecting the slat's deflection by using support elements or headboards to distribute the load through the frame, maintaining uniform deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If functional components are integrated into a slat, then the slat provides additional functionality (heating, lighting, etc.), but the deflection of the slat increases compared to adjacent slats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional component integrationVSAvoiddeflection uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The slat is divided into two independent parts: the slat body and the separate elongated core. The functional component is attached to the core rather than being integrated into the slat body, so that the core can deflect independently without affecting the slat's deflection uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated core is extracted from the slat structure as a separate component. This allows the functional component to be mounted on the core while the core itself does not become part of the slat's load-bearing structure, thus preventing additional deflection of the slat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If functional components are integrated into a slat, then the slat provides additional functionality, but the visual appearance of the closed slat roof becomes non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional component integrationVSAvoidvisual uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the core from the slat body, the functional component can be mounted on the core without creating visible irregularities on the slat surface. The core remains hidden or separate, maintaining the uniform visual appearance of the closed slat roof.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If functional components are integrated into a slat, then the slat provides additional functionality, but the watertightness of the slat roof is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional component integrationVSAvoidwatertightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separate core design isolates the functional component from the slat's waterproofing system. Since the core does not become part of the slat's load-bearing structure, the hooking and fitting mechanisms between adjacent slats can function properly, maintaining watertightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If functional components are attached to a slat, then the slat provides additional functionality, but the deflection of the slat is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional component attachmentVSAvoiddeflection consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated core is extracted as a separate element that carries the functional component. The core is not structurally integrated with the slat, so its weight and the functional component's weight do not affect the slat's deflection, maintaining consistent deflection across all slats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4396422B1Slat roof, terrace canopy comprising the same, and a kit of parts for assembling the same
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 RENSON OUTDOOR
  • EP4396422B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4396422B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4396422B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4B

AI summary

A slat roof for a canopy. The slat roof is provided with a set of mutually parallel slats (7), wherein a first slat (7') of said set of slats is provided with a separate elongated core (10) extending through the entire first slat. The elongated core is configured to attach thereto a functional component selected from a plurality of mutually different functional components without affecting a deflection of the first slat. The provision of an elongated core that is separate from the slat allows an additional load to be applied to the first slat without affecting the deflection of the first slat. In this way, functional elements can be attached to a slat of the slat roof without obtaining a slat with deviating deflection.