Adjustable Cross Bracing for Structural Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural cross bracing systems are inadequate in absorbing and distributing dynamic and static loads, leading to shear stress failures and destructive buckling, particularly during torsional and compressive loading, and are difficult to install due to access limitations.
Innovation Solution
A novel structural cross bracing system featuring adjustable telescoping connection arms and end brackets with web and side plates that can be mounted to both sides of structural members, allowing for efficient load distribution and increased rigidity without creating excessive shear stress at fastening points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If diagonal braces are used to connect beams, then structural reinforcement is provided, but shear stress failures and destructive buckling occur under torsional and compressive loading
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing system is divided into multiple independent bracing units, each comprising separate compression-resistant and tension-resistant members. This segmentation allows each unit to independently handle specific load types, preventing catastrophic failure modes while maintaining structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing system employs asymmetric configuration with distinct compression-resistant members and tension-resistant members positioned at different orientations. This asymmetry optimizes the structural response to torsional and compressive loads by directing forces through appropriate members, thereby improving reliability under diverse loading conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If access to bottoms and tops of beams is required for securing braces, then proper fastening is achieved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing units are designed to be installed from the interior space between beams rather than requiring access to the tops or bottoms of beams. This dimensional change in installation approach allows workers to secure braces from within the building structure, significantly improving installation ease while maintaining proper fastening quality.
3Force
If compression and tensile forces are transferred through fasteners, then load distribution is achieved, but shear stress at fasteners increases leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing system segments the load path by providing separate compression-resistant members and tension-resistant members. This segmentation distributes compressive and tensile forces through different structural pathways, reducing concentrated shear stress at individual fastener locations while maintaining effective load distribution.
4Stability of the object's composition
If diagonal bracing configuration is used, then structural connection is provided, but destructive buckling occurs under compression loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs asymmetric bracing units with specifically oriented compression-resistant members designed to handle compressive loads without buckling. These members are positioned and dimensioned to provide structural connection stability while inherently resisting buckling through their geometric configuration and support conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is a bracing system capable of reinforcing and distributing loads between spaced structural members. The system includes multiple similar bracing units each including a connection member featuring a connection section and a pair of connection arms, and an end bracket located at an end of each of the connection arms. The end brackets of a first bracing unit are mounted to a same first side of spaced apart structural members, and the end brackets of a second bracing unit are mounted to a same second side of the structural members, with the first and second sides being opposite each other. One of the bracing units is inverted such that the connection sections of the bracing units are adjacent each other and located in an interior space defined between the structural members.