Connector Assembly for Seismic Horizontal Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional building connectors do not allow for horizontal movement between structural members during seismic events, leading to potential damage and collapse, as they primarily permit vertical movement only.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly featuring an elongated track with protrusions and a connecting member that allows for bidirectional movement between building members, enabling horizontal shifting and subsequent locking to prevent further movement after construction is complete.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional rigid connectors are used to lock building components together, then structural stability is improved, but the building frame members will fracture under vibrational stress during seismic events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidresistance to seismic damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that allows controlled movement. The connecting member can slide within the track along the longitudinal axis, enabling the building frame members to move relative to each other during seismic events while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector changes its mechanical parameters from fixed to variable. The connecting member's position within the track is variable, allowing the connection to adapt its degree of freedom based on external forces, permitting movement when needed while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If connectors permit vertical movement between structural members, then seismic resistance is improved, but horizontal movement is not accommodated leading to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic resistanceVSAvoidmulti-directional movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector extends the movement capability from one dimension (vertical) to two dimensions by allowing sliding along the longitudinal axis of the track. This enables the connecting member to accommodate both vertical displacement and horizontal shifting during seismic events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly serves multiple functions: it permits vertical movement, allows horizontal shifting, and maintains structural connection. The single device handles multiple movement directions and seismic resistance requirements, making it a universal solution for multi-directional seismic protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If building frame members are rigidly connected, then construction stability is improved, but exterior wall installation becomes difficult due to lack of horizontal adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction stabilityVSAvoidexterior wall installation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector provides dynamic adjustment capability during construction by allowing the connecting member to slide within the track. This enables workers to adjust the position of building frame members horizontally during exterior wall installation while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If connectors allow free movement between building members, then seismic damage is reduced, but structural control and locking capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic damage resistanceVSAvoidstructural control and locking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector operates in periodic cycles: during seismic events, the connecting member slides freely within the track to absorb movement; after the event, the locking mechanism can engage to lock the connecting member in place, providing periodic control and locking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is pre-positioned and ready to engage the connecting member after seismic movement. The system is designed in advance to provide both free movement during earthquakes and subsequent locking to maintain structural control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11078682B1Connector assembly for allowing relative movement between two building members

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 THE STEEL NETWORK

AI summary

The present subject matter relates to systems, assemblies, and methods for connecting structural members together. A connector assembly includes an elongated track having a web, opposed edge portions that extend from a first surface of the web and that form a pair of slide channels, and one or more protrusions protruding from a second surface of the web opposing the first surface, the one or more protrusions being configured to connect to the first building member. A connecting member is adapted to connect to the second building member and includes a base that retains the connecting member to the channels but is movable within the channels along the track. In this configuration, when the connector assembly is connected between the first and second building members, the connecting member is movable in the track in response to relative movement between the first and second building members.