Diagonal Beam Joining Hardware for Oblique Wood Beam Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beam receiving hardware is limited to connecting beams that intersect orthogonally, making it difficult to construct unique spaces in wooden buildings with diagonal beams that obliquely intersect, such as those supporting triangular-shaped overhanging floors around atriums.

Innovation Solution

Diagonal beam joining hardware with a beam splicing part, extending part, and beam receiving hardware mounting part, allowing beams to obliquely intersect, and using through holes and reinforcing ribs for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional beam receiving hardware is used to connect beams, then orthogonal intersection is achieved, but diagonal beam connection is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam connection angle adaptabilityVSAvoidjoining hardware structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joining hardware is divided into three functional segments: a beam splicing part for attaching to the continued beam, an extending part that protrudes to form a T-shape, and a beam receiving hardware mounting part that bends at an angle. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while collectively enabling diagonal beam connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joining hardware features asymmetric geometry with the beam receiving hardware mounting part bending at a predetermined plane angle (not 90 degrees) relative to the beam splicing part. This asymmetric design specifically accommodates diagonal beam intersections while the extending part maintains T-shape symmetry for orthogonal attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If diagonal beam joining hardware is designed with multiple parts, then connection flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagonal beam connection capabilityVSAvoidhardware fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated joining hardware component. The beam splicing part, extending part, and beam receiving hardware mounting part are formed as one piece through bending and shaping operations, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of multiple discrete parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The joining hardware utilizes variable geometric parameters including the predetermined plane angle of the mounting part, the dimensions and orientation of through holes, and the extent of the extending part. These parameter variations allow the same basic structure to accommodate different diagonal angles and beam configurations without redesigning the entire component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If through holes are added for bolt connection, then connection strength is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam connection strengthVSAvoidhardware geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The through holes serve multiple functions: they provide attachment points for bolts to secure the joining hardware to the continued beam, allow for alignment during installation, and maintain structural integrity of the hardware. The same through holes are utilized regardless of the specific diagonal angle or beam configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12565770B2Diagonal beam joining hardware and beam connecting structure

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 SEKISUI HOUSE KK

AI summary

Diagonal beam joining hardware according to one or more embodiments includes: a beam splicing part; an extending part protruding from an appropriate intermediate part of the beam splicing part; and a beam receiving hardware mounting part bending and extending from an end edge of the extending part to form a predetermined plane angle with respect to the beam splicing part. The beam splicing part is attached and fastened to a side face of a continued beam by through bolts and penetrating the beam in the beam width direction. Beam receiving hardware is fitted in a slit formed in an end part of the diagonal beam. A contacting part of the beam receiving hardware is superimposed on the beam receiving hardware mounting part of the diagonal beam joining hardware and fastened by bolt/nut fastening.