Adjustable Cladding Framework with Interlocking Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reinforcing and externally cladding high-rise modular buildings, such as those described in GB2574092, face challenges in accommodating misalignments of tie bars due to human error or deliberate offsets, which require adjustable mounting systems that also provide increased strength to prevent disproportionate collapse in the event of an internal explosion.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using fixing and locking plates with cooperating profiles, such as corrugations or dowels, to allow incremental adjustments of the metal framework's positioning relative to the tie bars, ensuring accurate alignment and enhanced strength through secure interconnections, including bolts and nuts, to support external insulation or feature panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mounting plates are used to attach the metal framework to tie bars, then the structure is simple and quick to install, but the system cannot accommodate misalignments of tie bars due to human error or deliberate offsets
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from fixed to adjustable through the use of plates with elongate slots that allow movement along the tie bar. The slot geometry enables dynamic positioning of the framework relative to the tie bar, accommodating misalignments while maintaining structural integrity through bolted connections at the selected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is divided into functional zones: an elongate slot portion for adjustment, a bolting portion for securing, and positioning features such as holes or protrusions. This segmentation allows the plate to perform multiple functions - adjustment, attachment, and alignment - within a single component, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mounting plates with elongate slots are used to accommodate misaligned tie bars, then the system becomes more adaptable, but the structural strength to prevent disproportionate collapse is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from fixed to adjustable through the use of plates with elongate slots that allow movement along the tie bar. The slot geometry enables dynamic positioning of the framework relative to the tie bar, accommodating misalignments while maintaining structural integrity through bolted connections at the selected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is divided into functional zones: an elongate slot portion for adjustment, a bolting portion for securing, and positioning features such as holes or protrusions. This segmentation allows the plate to perform multiple functions - adjustment, attachment, and alignment - within a single component, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If tie bars are positioned in perfect alignment with precise spacing, then the metal framework can be simply attached, but any human error or deliberate repositioning creates misalignments that complicate installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from fixed to adjustable through the use of plates with elongate slots that allow movement along the tie bar. The slot geometry enables dynamic positioning of the framework relative to the tie bar, accommodating misalignments while maintaining structural integrity through bolted connections at the selected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is divided into functional zones: an elongate slot portion for adjustment, a bolting portion for securing, and positioning features such as holes or protrusions. This segmentation allows the plate to perform multiple functions - adjustment, attachment, and alignment - within a single component, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention comprises placing over each projecting tie bar end (12) a fixing plate (14) which has a profiled outer face, the tie bar end (12) passing through a vertical or horizontal elongate slot (16) formed in the fixing plate (14); placing over each projecting tie bar end (12) a locking plate (18) which has a profiled inner face, the profiles of the inner face of the locking plate (18) and the outer face of the fixing plate (14) being complementary allowing the two plates to mate with each other in any of a number of alternative positions one relative to the other, the projecting tie bar end (12) passing closely through a circular hole (20) in the locking plate (18); adjusting the position of the fixing plate (14) relative to the tie bar end (12) to bring it to a desired horizontal or vertical alignment position; securing together each pair of fixing and locking plates, with the fixing plate (14) of each pair being held at its desired horizontal or vertical alignment position by the mating profiles of the fixing and locking plates, by threading a holding nut (28) onto each projecting tie bar end (12) and tightening that holding nut (28) against the associated locking plate (18); and securing the vertical or horizontal rails of the metal framework to the fixing plates (14) by an array of bolts (30) connecting each vertical or horizontal rail to each fixing plate (14).