Angled Connection Elements for Seismic Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection units for cantilever slabs, such as those used in balconies, are inadequate in handling forces from all directions, particularly during earthquakes, as they are designed to manage only vertical forces, leading to potential damage and failure under horizontal and angular loads.
Innovation Solution
The connection unit features supporting elements arranged at one or more angles, allowing them to function as both tension and compression bands, enabling larger deformations and improved shock damping properties without failure, and must be dimensioned to handle both normal and extraordinary loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supporting elements are arranged vertically to handle only gravitational forces, then the connection unit maintains simple structure and satisfies normal serviceability requirements, but it fails to withstand horizontal and angular forces during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting elements are arranged at angles rather than purely vertically, introducing angular orientation to handle multi-directional forces. This dimensional change in element arrangement enables the connection unit to resist horizontal and angular forces during earthquakes while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of supporting elements is changed from vertical to angular positions. This parameter modification allows the elements to function as both tension and compression bands, improving the connection unit's ability to withstand extraordinary loads from multiple directions
2Reliability
If supporting elements are fixed rigidly to minimize deformation, then serviceability requirements are met under normal loads, but the connection unit cannot accommodate larger deformations during seismic events without failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where supporting elements can rotate and deform. The angularly arranged elements can pivot and adjust their orientation, allowing the structure to accommodate large deformations during earthquakes while maintaining load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation that would normally be harmful is converted into a beneficial mechanism. During earthquakes, the supporting elements are allowed to deform and rotate, converting the harmful seismic forces into controlled angular movements that dissipate energy while maintaining structural integrity
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
This configuration enhances the load-bearing capacity and damping properties of the connection units, ensuring they can absorb and distribute forces effectively in various directions, including during seismic events, thereby preventing damage and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the forces acting on the structures act on the structures from all possible directions, vertically, horizontally and of course also in angular directions to the two
Implementation Method 2
the supporting parts are arranged at one or more angles... the elements in this situation become pure tension and compression bands
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is characterized in that the support part, which is arranged in one or several angles, can carry out its generally intended support function when in the normal state, but additionally can lose its original support behavior required for satisfactory serviceability in cases of exceptional load involving shaking and vibrating (e.g. earthquakes), and as such can receive another static function and fully fulfill said function (tension-compression member function).