Timber Frame Arched Roof Structural Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern timber frame structures, particularly outdoor structures like pergolas and patio covers, often lack aesthetic appeal and structural stability, especially when assembled from pre-manufactured kits that may not provide sufficient support or design flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A timber frame structure with an arched roof design featuring self-supporting arches composed of curved rafters and a key beam, supported by vertical posts and horizontal beams, allowing for easy assembly and enhanced aesthetic appeal through the use of top planks and corbels, with joinery techniques like dovetail joints and fasteners for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pre-manufactured timber components are used for assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The timber frame structure is divided into pre-manufactured modular components including vertical posts, horizontal beams, and arched roof sections that can be assembled on-site without requiring professional help or heavy equipment, while maintaining structural integrity through designed connection points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arched roof design with curved rafters provides both aesthetic appeal and structural stability by distributing loads more effectively across the span, resolving the contradiction between using simple pre-manufactured components and achieving reliable structural performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If simple horizontal beams are used for support, then device complexity is reduced, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The arched roof structure with curved rafters and arches creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining relatively simple construction methods and component assembly, enhancing visual appeal without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If heavy timbers are used for construction, then structural stability is improved, but weight of the structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstructure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The arched configuration of the roof structure provides inherent structural stability through its curved geometry that naturally distributes and redirects loads to the support posts, allowing for reduced timber dimensions and weights while maintaining structural integrity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10844606B2Timber frame structure with arched roof

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 LAVERY BRADLEY JAY

AI summary

A timber frame structure includes a plurality of support posts. A first mounting surface extends between a first pair of the plurality of support posts and a second mounting surface extends between a second pair of the plurality of support posts. A plurality of arches is mounted to the structure at the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. Each of the plurality of arches is self-supporting and comprises a first curved rafter and a second curved rafter connected at a key beam.