Adjustable Metal Framing System with Interlocking Notches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal framing systems lack an efficient and cost-effective method to interlock panelized wall sections with the building structure, leading to difficulties in construction due to inaccuracies and the need for costly adjustments or extensions.

Innovation Solution

The development of an interlocking metal framing system utilizing concentric support members with apertures and perimeter notches, allowing for adjustable length settings and secure connection through a spacing-bracing member, eliminating the need for fasteners like screws or welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional metal framing systems use screws or welding to connect panelized wall sections, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the construction time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidconnection method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is segmented into modular sections with standardized apertures and perimeter notches, allowing individual sections to be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled together through simple interlocking without requiring complex fastening procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The perimeter notches and apertures are designed to self-align and self-lock when sections are assembled, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or complex alignment procedures. The geometry of the notches themselves provides the connection function, making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If metal framing members are manufactured with fixed lengths, then manufacturing precision is high, but adaptability to different construction requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength adjustabilityVSAvoidlength dimension control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into multiple standardized segments with consistent aperture spacing, allowing the overall length to be adjusted by selecting different numbers of segments while maintaining precise manufacturing tolerances for each individual segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member design allows dynamic adjustment of length by selecting different configurations of the modular segments, enabling the same standardized component to adapt to various span requirements without requiring custom manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If extensions are added to support members to achieve longer lengths, then the required length is met, but the structural integrity and alignment precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport member lengthVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding extensions to existing members, the support member is designed as an integrated series of segments with standardized apertures and perimeter notches that maintain consistent alignment throughout the entire length, eliminating cumulative alignment errors that occur with extensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized apertures and perimeter notches serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection points, enable alignment between segments, and allow for adjustable length configurations, all within a single integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12338622B2Adjustable metal framing system and connecton

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 LEBLANG DENNIS

AI summary

The present invention describes an interlocking metal framing system where two concentric support members slide between each other to enable the support member to form a longer length without using extensions to add the additional length to the support members whether installed as vertical support members for a wall; or as horizontal support members for ceiling support members; or as floor-ceiling support members. The concentric support members have notches together to form a longer support member. The connector can be a clip connecting the two concentric support members together whether installed vertically or horizontally; or by having a longitudinal spacing-bracing member pass through the apertures connecting the perimeter notches of adjacent support members. The perimeter notches interlock the spacing-bracing member to the two concentric support members together eliminating vertical and horizontal movement between the concentric support members as well as the adjacent support members. The apertures are setback from both ends or both concentric support members allowing the additional length to be projected above or below the concentric support members.