Adjustable Bracket Assembly for Seismic Ceiling and Wall Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracing systems for ceiling and wall structures in buildings are ad hoc, costly, difficult to install, and lack design consistency, leading to inadequate seismic resistance and potential collapse during earthquakes.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece bracket assembly with rotatable and adjustable connecting portions that can be used for both ceiling and wall bracing, allowing for flexible alignment and secure attachment to building structures, incorporating acoustic mounts for noise reduction and enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ad hoc bracing systems are used, then installation flexibility is improved, but structural reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates adjustable parameters including rotation capability (up to 270 degrees) and position adjustment through slots, allowing the same standardized component to adapt to various installation scenarios while maintaining consistent structural integrity and seismic resistance performance
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is divided into distinct functional portions (first connecting portion with protruding portions for bracing elements, second connecting portion with depending portions for building components), allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing bracket designs are used, then connection capability is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed as a universal component that can connect multiple bracing elements (up to four connectors) and accommodate different building components (ceiling frameworks, less-than-full-height walls) through its multiple protruding and depending portions, reducing the need for multiple specialized bracket types
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly incorporates rotational capability (up to 270 degrees) and position adjustment through slots before final tightening, allowing installers to dynamically adjust the bracket orientation and position to accommodate various installation scenarios and achieve proper alignment without complex pre-calculation
3Strength
If bracing orientation is optimized for strength, then structural strength is improved, but installation accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly utilizes three-dimensional space effectively by positioning screw holes and connection points in multiple dimensions, allowing strong bracing connections to be made from accessible locations rather than requiring direct access to the central connection point above the top cross rail
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bracing elements are connected, then bracing coverage is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated component, allowing up to four bracing elements to be connected to one bracket assembly rather than requiring separate brackets for each element, thereby reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall connection system
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly (2) for bracing a building component (3, 71) to a building structure (42), the assembly comprising a first connecting portion (4) having at least two protruding portions (6, 8) joined by a joining portion (10), each protruding portion (6, 8) connectable to a respective bracing element (44, 46) and a second connecting portion (12) having at least one depending portion (16, 18) and linked to said first connecting portion (4), said at least one depending portion (16, 18) for connection to said building component (3, 71).