Structures with inclined planar supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures with inclined planar support members tend to be weaker against lateral forces compared to top-down and front-to-back forces, and they often require additional fasteners or connectors, which can increase complexity and material usage.
Innovation Solution
The use of inclined longitudinal planar support members rotated obliquely along their longitudinal axis, combined with recesses or fitments on the support members that slidably and detachably engage with angled slots in the horizontal members, forming compound angular joints without the need for additional fasteners or connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners and connectors are used to join inclined support members to horizontal members, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support member and connector into a single integrated inclined support member that directly engages with the horizontal member through a fitted connection. The compound angular joint itself serves as both the structural support and the joining mechanism, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and connectors while maintaining structural strength.
2Strength
If fasteners and connectors are used to join inclined support members to horizontal members, then the structural strength is improved, but the material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of separate connectors into the inclined support member itself, creating a unified component that provides both structural support and joining functionality. This integration reduces the total quantity of materials required by eliminating redundant connector components.
3Device complexity
If traditional inclined support members are used without rotation, then the structure is simpler, but the lateral force resistance is weaker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric rotation of the inclined support members about their longitudinal axes, creating compound angular joints with horizontal members at different angles. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the geometric arrangement to resist lateral forces more effectively while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational dimensionality to the inclined support members by rotating them about their longitudinal axes in addition to their inclined orientation. This creates compound angular joints that operate in multiple angular dimensions, enhancing lateral force resistance through geometric optimization without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
4Force
If inclined support members are rotated obliquely along the longitudinal axis, then the lateral force resistance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric rotation angles for the inclined support members, creating specific compound angular joints that are optimized for lateral force resistance. While precision is required, the asymmetric design provides clear geometric definitions that can be manufactured with standard precision tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates fitted connections or recesses in the inclined support members that are pre-formed during manufacturing to accommodate the rotated orientation. This preliminary preparation of connection features simplifies the assembly process and reduces the precision required during final assembly, as the critical angular relationships are established during manufacturing rather than assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to structures comprised of horizontal members joined to inclined longitudinal support members. To improve the lateral force resistance of the structure, the inclined support members are rotated along the longitudinal axis. Additionally, the inclined rotated support members include recesses or alternative fitments at desired levels along their length. Concertedly, the horizontal members contain elongated slots that are adapted in size, position, and angles of inclination to correspondingly engage the fitments, forming fastener-free compound joints supporting the horizontal members at the desired levels. This disclosure includes embodiments of wall-supported structures and free-standing structures that could serve various functions including shelving and other articles of furniture, stairs, and ladders.