Sliding Pergola Panel Structure for Wider Span Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pergolas with sliding panels face issues of excessive flexing and malfunction due to weight and snow, and solutions with intermediate columns obstruct the space beneath the panels.
Innovation Solution
A pergola design with panels offset vertically relative to rear profiles, connected by parallelepiped-shaped pieces, and equipped with bearings for sliding, providing increased moment of inertia and rigidity, allowing for larger, more transparent covered areas and incorporating water collection profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If panels are made longer to increase coverage area, then the covered area is improved, but the panels flex excessively under weight and environmental loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the panel structure by adding depth to the rear profile (measuring in the same direction as panel thickness). This third dimension creates a more robust structural framework that can support larger panel areas without excessive flexing, as the increased profile height provides greater structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining multiple profile pieces (front profile, rear profile with greater height, side profiles) connected by reinforcing pieces. This composite structure distributes loads more effectively across the panel assembly, enabling larger covered areas while maintaining panel stability under various loads including snow and rain.
2Stability of the object's composition
If intermediate columns are added to reduce panel length and increase stability, then panel stability is improved, but the space beneath the panels is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panel structure into multiple profile components (front profile, rear profile, side profiles) connected by reinforcing pieces. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve the stability of shorter panels while maintaining the visual openness and usability of larger panels, as the segmentation is done within the profile framework rather than requiring intermediate support columns.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding vertical height to the rear profile and using three-dimensional connecting pieces, the patent achieves structural stability without requiring intermediate columns that would obstruct the space beneath the panels. The stability is achieved through the enhanced profile geometry rather than through additional vertical support elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If panel depth is increased to increase moment of inertia and reduce flexing, then panel stability is improved, but the distance between adjacent sliding elements must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies increased profile height locally at the rear profile rather than uniformly across all profiles. This localized enhancement of the rear profile's vertical dimension provides the necessary moment of inertia to reduce panel flexing while minimizing the overall impact on the distance between adjacent sliding elements, as only the rear profile requires the increased height.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances stability and flexibility, enabling wider coverage without obstruction, and includes features for rainwater collection and adjustable angles.
Implementation Method 1
the panel is offset vertically relative to the rear profile. This offset is useful for the mechanical design of the profile, as it can increase its moment of inertia, allowing it to withstand greater bending forces
Data Source
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AI summary
Sliding element 1 for a pergola 100, consisting of a panel 2 of constant thickness 2t and a panel frame 3, which includes a front profile 31, a rear profile 32, and two side profiles 33 and 34 to which the panel 2 is attached. The rear profile 32 has an upper surface 32a and a lower surface 32b. The element has a height 32h greater than twice the thickness of the panel 2t, the height 32h being the distance between the upper surface 32a and the lower surface 32b. The panel 2 is offset vertically relative to the rear profile 32 and closer to the upper surface than to the lower surface. The invention also relates to a pergola equipped with element 1.