Deck Mounting System Anchor Frame Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mounting systems for external structures like decks and porches often lack robust structural connectivity to buildings, relying heavily on bolted interfaces that can be challenging to align and secure, especially when added after the building is complete, and may not effectively distribute loads across the building's structural elements.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising an anchor frame with a plate element and anchor elements that secure to the building's structural elements, such as band boards and floor joists, combined with a bracket that couples with the external structure, providing a robust and adaptable solution for securing external structures to the building's internal framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the deck structure is built as a standalone structure with posts supporting the entire periphery, then the deck can be constructed independently from the building, but the connection to the building becomes superficial and not structurally robust
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system divides the connection into multiple independent attachment points: the plate element attaches to the band board while anchor elements attach to floor joists. This segmentation allows the deck to be independently constructed yet firmly connected to multiple structural elements of the building, resolving the contradiction between independent construction and robust connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the attachment functions by combining the plate element and multiple anchor elements into a single integrated mounting assembly. This allows the deck to simultaneously connect to both the band board and floor joists, achieving robust structural connection while maintaining construction independence.
2Strength
If the deck structure relies on structural support from the building at edges against the building, then the connection becomes structurally important, but current mounting solutions are difficult to align and secure properly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates self-aligning features where the plate element and anchor elements are designed to automatically position themselves relative to the band board and floor joists. The configuration allows the components to find their proper alignment during installation, eliminating the need for precise pre-measurement and complex alignment procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If bolts and brackets are mounted to the building band board, then the deck can be secured to the building, but the load bearing capacity is limited by the interface strength between bolts/brackets and the band board
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-plane attachment (bolts through the band board only) to a multi-dimensional attachment where the plate element connects to the band board while anchor elements extend to connect with floor joists. This dimensional expansion distributes the load across multiple structural elements and attachment interfaces, significantly increasing the overall load bearing capacity beyond what a single band board interface could provide.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for mounting an external structure, such as a deck, with a building includes an anchor frame that couples with structural elements of the building and a bracket that couples with both the external structure and the anchor frame for securement. The anchor frame includes a plate element configured for mounting against a board of a building and anchor elements extending from the plate element and configured for mounting against a second board of a building. The bracket has a first face portion configured for coupling with the anchor frame and a second face portion spaced from the first face portion and configured for mounting with an external structure.