Bracketed Structural Rail Connection for Reusable Frame Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional building construction methods are labor-intensive and require skilled workers, making it difficult to assemble, disassemble, and reuse structural components, and to connect additional components to existing frames, while also lacking in sustainable and prefabricated solutions.

Innovation Solution

An elongate structural element with keyhole-shaped grooves and apertures, and a bracket system that allows for easy assembly and disassembly using sheet metal components, enabling quick connection and disconnection of structural elements without requiring highly skilled labor, and facilitating prefabrication and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional structural components are assembled using welding, bolts, screws, and nails, then the structural frame achieves sufficient strength and stability, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and requires highly skilled workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural frame strengthVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The structural component is divided into modular sections with standardized connection interfaces. Each section can be independently fabricated and assembled, reducing on-site labor requirements and skill levels needed while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements such as plates, brackets, or standardized fastening systems are introduced as intermediaries between structural members. These intermediaries simplify the connection process, reduce the need for skilled welding or bolting operations, and enable easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If structural components are permanently assembled using traditional methods, then the structural frame achieves high stability, but the components cannot be easily disassembled for reuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural frame stabilityVSAvoiddisassembly and reuse capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. Connection elements can be easily assembled and disassembled multiple times while maintaining structural stability during use, enabling component reuse and adaptability for different building configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The modular structural components are designed to be recovered and reused after disassembly. Standardized connection interfaces and durable materials enable components to be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without loss of structural integrity, supporting sustainable construction practices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If structural components are custom-cut and assembled on-site, then the structural frame achieves precise fit and stability, but the construction process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural frame stabilityVSAvoidconstruction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Structural components are pre-fabricated with standardized dimensions and pre-assembled connection elements in a controlled factory environment. This preliminary action eliminates on-site cutting and complex assembly operations, significantly reducing construction time and labor requirements while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized modular components with universal connection interfaces are designed to fit multiple structural configurations. These multi-functional components can be rapidly assembled in various arrangements to create different building layouts, increasing construction productivity without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If traditional structural components are used, then the structural frame achieves necessary strength, but additional components cannot be easily connected to the assembled frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural frame strengthVSAvoidadditional component connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The structural frame incorporates standardized connection interfaces and universal mounting points that enable additional components to be easily connected to the assembled structure. These multi-functional connection elements maintain structural strength while providing flexibility for future expansions or modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11111667B2Elongate structural element, a bracket and an elongate structural section

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 STONELAKE

AI summary

A bracket is combined with a rail that is to be attached to an elongate structural element by the bracket. The bracket includes a body and a bolt. The body is configured for attachment to the elongate structural element. The body defines a shoulder from which the rail is attached so that the rail is connected to the element. The bolt is engaged with the rail and is movable to engage the body. The body has a threaded passage to engage the bolt to fix the rail to the body.