Structural Column Bracket Assembly for Single-User Pivot Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing column brackets and foundation columns are unsafe and inconvenient to use, often requiring multiple individuals or specialized machinery for installation, and are prone to uplift due to applied forces.
Innovation Solution
A structural column assembly featuring a column bracket with a tab-and-slot system and L-shaped apertures for easy alignment and securing, combined with a foundation column to prevent uplift, allowing single-user installation by pivoting the structural column from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional column brackets are used requiring multiple individuals or specialized machinery for installation, then the structural column can be securely installed, but the installation process becomes unsafe and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The column bracket is divided into two separate L-shaped half sections that can be independently handled and installed. Each half section can be attached to the structural column separately, allowing a single user to install the bracket without requiring specialized machinery or multiple individuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped aperture enables dynamic positioning of the structural column during installation. The aperture's geometry allows the column to be inserted at one orientation and then rotated or adjusted to the final vertical position, making the installation process safer and more convenient for a single user.
2Reliability
If traditional column brackets are used, then the structural column can be secured to the structure, but the brackets are prone to uplift due to applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation column is installed and embedded in the substrate before the structural column is attached. This preliminary action creates a stable base that prevents uplift of the entire assembly, allowing the column bracket to securely hold the structural column without being prone to upward movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a vertical foundation column component that extends into the substrate, addressing the uplift resistance problem in the vertical dimension. This dimensional addition provides anchoring resistance to uplift forces that the horizontal column bracket alone cannot provide.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment means such as tab-and-slot system are added to the column bracket, then the alignment and joint strength between vertical and horizontal members is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tab-and-slot alignment features are integrated directly into the L-shaped half sections of the column bracket. The alignment means are merged with the structural members themselves rather than being separate components, which improves alignment precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural column assembly and methods of use are described. The assembly comprises a column bracket adapted to secure a structural column to a structure. The column bracket comprises a vertical member and a horizonal member, the vertical member further defining an L-shaped aperture with a first point located along a horizontal portion of the aperture and a second point along a vertical portion of the aperture. A bolt may be traversed through the aperture and the structural column at the first point, permitting the structural column to be pivoted about the first point from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. The structural column may then be traversed to align the bolt with the second point of the aperture, thereby retaining the structural column into the vertical orientation. The assembly may further comprise a foundation column for preventing uplift of the column bracket and structural column after installation.