Deck-to-Building Connector with Thermal Break and Offset Joist Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for securing deck structures to building framing fail under tensile loads during turbulent conditions, and previous solutions either stress the building header or conduct thermal energy, leading to issues like corrosion and mold.
Innovation Solution
An insulated, non-thermal conducting connector using interlocked wire rope or cable loops within a plastic plug, which can be installed with offset joists, providing a secure attachment to both exterior and interior joists while preventing thermal conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If through bolts are used to interconnect the ledger board with the building header, then tensile resistance is improved, but stress on the building header increases during earthquakes and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a threaded rod as an intermediary element that connects the ledger board to the building structure through a different path - passing through the cladding and sheathing to engage with a mounting plate on the header, rather than directly bolting through the header. This intermediary connection method distributes the tensile loads more effectively and reduces concentrated stress on the header itself while maintaining strong tensile resistance.
2Reliability
If metal rod connectors are used to tie deck joists to building joists, then connection security is improved, but thermal conduction occurs causing condensation, frost, rust, and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite connector system that combines metal components (threaded rod, mounting plate, lag screws) with non-metallic thermal break elements (washers, possibly plastic or rubber components). This composite construction maintains the structural strength and connection security of metal while introducing thermal insulation properties that prevent thermal conduction, thereby eliminating the problems of condensation, frost, rust, and corrosion that affect purely metal connectors.
3Ease of operation
If connectors are designed for aligned joists, then installation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to offset joists deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic and flexible connection system where the threaded rod can be positioned at various lengths and angles to accommodate different joist alignments. The combination of the adjustable threaded rod, mounting plate with multiple hole patterns, and flexible installation methods allows the connector to adapt to both aligned and offset joist configurations, transforming a rigid alignment requirement into a versatile positioning system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The connector effectively secures the deck to the building, resisting detachment during extreme events and preventing thermal-related damage, while allowing for flexible installation and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The plastic material of the plug isolates the respective metal loops (2, 3) and acts as a thermal barrier whereby temperatures imposed on the exterior of the loop (2) by extremes of ambient weather conditions are not transmitted to the interior loop (3).
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device for connecting an exterior deck structure to a contiguous building the connector having a pair of interlocked non-contacting cable loops, with a plastic plug encapsulating the interlocked ends of the cables and separating the cables to act as a thermal barrier. An expanded head at one end of the plug, with associated foam washer seals against a deck header. The exterior cable end of the connector is attached to a deck joist and the interior end of the connector is attached to a building joist, wherein the respective joists may be laterally offset. The connector prevents detachment of the deck from the building during severe tectonic of weather activities.