Divider Wall Flexible Connection Seismic Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rigidly connected divider walls in buildings are prone to damage and create hazardous conditions during seismic events due to relative movement between structural components, and existing semi-permanent or temporary divider walls lack sufficient structural support to withstand such movements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of flexible connection systems for divider walls that allow portions of the walls to move relative to structural components, featuring modular designs with slidable splines and U-shaped channels, enabling movement in two or three-dimensional spaces while maintaining structural integrity during seismic events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid connections are used to connect divider walls to structural components, then structural support and stability are improved, but damage during seismic events increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoiddamage during seismic events

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that can adapt its behavior. The spline mechanism allows the divider wall to move relative to the structural component during seismic events, absorbing energy and reducing damage while maintaining structural support during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system changes its mechanical parameters (rigidity, movement capability) based on external conditions. During normal building operation, the connection maintains rigidity for structural support. During seismic events, the system allows controlled movement to reduce damage, effectively changing its mechanical properties in response to environmental forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If semi-permanent or temporary divider walls are used to allow reconfiguration, then adaptability is improved, but structural support and rigidity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separable components (divider wall, spline, structural component) that can be independently positioned and reconfigured. The spline acts as a modular connector that can be inserted or removed to change wall configurations while maintaining adequate structural support through the controlled connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If full-height divider walls are used to provide comprehensive separation, then functional effectiveness is improved, but structural vulnerability during seismic events increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace separation effectivenessVSAvoidstructural damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The full-height divider wall incorporates a dynamic connection mechanism at its base that allows controlled movement during seismic events. This dynamic capability reduces the wall's vulnerability to damage while maintaining its effectiveness as a space separator during normal building operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9328504B2Divider wall connection systems and methods

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS

AI summary

Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for connecting one or more divider walls to structural components of a building. Particularly, at least one implementation includes a flexible connection that can allow at least a portion of the divider wall to move relative to the building's structural components. Consequently, such movement can help the divider wall to withstand seismic events, such as earthquakes.