Bolted Filling Element Assembly for Building Structures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional welding methods for connecting filling elements to skeletal structures in building assemblies are laborious, require skilled craftsmen, and can cause damage and corrosion, while also necessitating heavy hoisting equipment for suspension during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A bolted connection system replaces welding, allowing for quick assembly by any worker, eliminating the need for skilled craftsmen and reducing the requirement for heavy hoisting equipment, with a structurally integrated I-shaped beam and plate configuration that distributes load effectively and prevents overconstraint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding operations are used to connect filling elements to the skeletal structure, then a strong connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical system) with a bolted mechanical connection system. The filling element includes a connector with a hole that receives a bolt, allowing mechanical fastening instead of welding. This substitution maintains connection strength while dramatically improving assembly speed and eliminating the need for skilled welders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If welding operations are used to connect filling elements, then connection is achieved, but skilled craftsmen are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is replaced with a bolted connection system that can be assembled by unskilled workers. The connector is designed with a simple hole that receives a bolt, eliminating the need for specialized welding skills while maintaining reliable structural connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The filling element's connector is designed to be self-aligning and self-contained, with the hole positioned to automatically receive the bolt. This simplifies the assembly process further, allowing workers to perform the connection without specialized training or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If welding operations are used, then connection is achieved, but sparks cause damage and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection integrityVSAvoidspark-induced damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process that generates harmful sparks is replaced with a cold mechanical bolted connection. This eliminates the thermal and chemical effects of welding that cause sparks, corrosion, and potential damage to surrounding building materials while maintaining secure structural connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If welding operations are used, then connection is achieved, but dark spots and quality perception issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidaesthetic quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process that leaves unsightly dark spots and affects aesthetic quality is replaced with a bolted connection system. The connector can be designed and finished to match the surrounding architecture, eliminating the permanent visual defects caused by welding sparks and heat exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Strength

If filling elements are connected using traditional methods, then structural connection is achieved, but heavy hoisting equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidhoisting equipment weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is pre-integrated into the filling element during manufacturing, with the hole and bolt arrangement predetermined. This preliminary preparation allows the filling element to be quickly connected to the skeletal structure without requiring heavy hoisting equipment to maintain suspension during complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3450645B1Assembly of a carrier and a filling element, such a filling element, and a method for the application thereof
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 INFRA
  • EP3450645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3450645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3450645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an assembly, comprising: - a skeletal structure and/or a wall bearing structure of a building, comprising at least one carrier; - a filling element extending from the carrier, comprising: - a plate; - an I-shaped beam of which a first flange comprises an extension extending over a distance from the plate; - wherein the extension of the first flange is supported on the carrier; - wherein a bolted connection is connecting the beam to the carrier at a vertical offset from the extension; and - wherein the beam is a structurally integrated part of the filling element with the plate. The invention further relates to a filling element and a method for the application thereof.