Adjustable Deck Tension Tie With Deformation Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing a deck to a house often require improvising with additional materials and fasteners due to variations in anchor elevation, leading to costly and time-consuming installations that may not adequately resist lateral loads, potentially resulting in deck collapse.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bracket with a deformation zone that facilitates rotation and bending, allowing the connector to be secured to an anchor at any elevation, providing infinite adjustability and ensuring the deck is securely tied to the house.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors are used with fixed geometry, then the connection structure is simple, but the adapter cannot accommodate variations in anchor elevation, requiring additional materials and fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a deformable region that allows the rigid portions to rotate relative to each other, transforming the fixed-geometry connector into a dynamic structure that can adapt to varying anchor elevations. This dynamic capability enables the same connector to accommodate different installation conditions without requiring additional materials or fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's geometry is changed by deforming the deformable region, which alters the relative position and orientation of the rigid portions. This parameter change allows the connector to adjust its configuration to match different anchor elevations while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
2Productivity
If conventional connectors require additional materials and fasteners to accommodate elevation variations, then the basic connector design is simple, but the installation becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable region enables the connector to be installed in various configurations without requiring additional fasteners or materials. The installer can simply deform the connector to the appropriate angle and position, significantly reducing installation time and complexity compared to conventional methods that require multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable region integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, allows for angular adjustment, and eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms or additional fasteners. This merging of functions into one component simplifies both manufacturing and installation.
3Reliability
If conventional connectors are used with improper make-shift solutions, then the installation process is flexible, but the connection may not adequately resist lateral loads, potentially resulting in deck collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable region allows the connector to be precisely adjusted to the correct configuration for each installation scenario, ensuring optimal load resistance. Unlike make-shift solutions, the deformable connector maintains structural integrity while providing the flexibility needed for proper installation at various anchor elevations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable bracket enables secure lateral connections between decks and houses, accommodating varying anchor elevations and ensuring the deck remains adequately supported, thereby preventing collapse and meeting building code requirements for lateral load resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The front brace has a first resistance to bending and the deformation zone has a second resistance to bending that is lower than the first resistance to bending to facilitate rotation of the front brace relative to the front plate by deformation at the deformation zone
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable deck tie bracket includes a front plate having an opening. Legs are on opposite sides of the front plate. A deformation zone connects a brace member to the front plate. The deformation zone has less resistance to bending than the brace member to facilitate rotation of the front brace by deformation at the deformation zone. To connect a deck to a house, a connector can be inserted through the front plate and secured to an anchor in the house. The orientation of the brace member is adjusted so it so extends to the bottom of a deck joist, thereby allowing flexibility in the vertical spacing between the connector and the deck joist. The legs are secured to opposite sides of the deck joist and the brace member is secured to the deck joist at a location that is spaced farther from the house than the legs.