Concealed Hanger With Angled Fastener Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concealed connectors for structural members often fail to provide a strong, stable connection that resists tension, compression, and gravity loads while being easy to install and hidden from view, and are not adaptable to modern building practices.
Innovation Solution
A two-part connector made from thin sheet steel with hooked or curled ends and overlapping flanges, secured by angled fasteners that penetrate structural members at an angle to resist pull-out forces, ensuring minimal movement and a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional concealed connectors are made from thick, rigid materials to ensure strong connection, then connection strength is improved, but ease of installation and adaptability to modern building practices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from thick rigid material to thin flexible sheet steel, allowing the connector to bend and adapt during installation while maintaining connection strength through the flexible engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be dynamic rather than static - the thin sheet steel allows the connector to flex and adapt during installation, then lock into place through the engagement of flanged portions, providing both ease of installation and strong connection
2Shape
If connectors are designed to be concealed and hidden from view, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but connection stability and resistance to loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple flanged portions that can engage with structural members independently, allowing the concealed design to maintain connection stability through distributed engagement points rather than relying on a single visible connection mechanism
3Strength
If traditional connectors are used that require complex assembly procedures, then connection strength is improved, but productivity and installation time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-formed with flanged portions and engagement features during manufacturing, so that during installation the worker only needs to position and engage the pre-prepared components rather than assembling multiple separate parts, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength
Data Source
AI summary
A connector joins a beam to a joist, the connector has two members with mating portions. The mating members are provided with shoulders that engage each other and transmit gravity loads between the members and engage angled fasteners to make the connection.