Drift Clip Slider Mechanism for Movement Without Buckling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting clips for connecting curtain walls to load-bearing structures fail to prevent buckling under load, especially due to differential expansion and deflection caused by temperature changes, wind, and seismic forces.

Innovation Solution

A uniquely shaped mounting clip with a slider mechanism featuring angled upstanding flanges and elongated slots allows for relative movement, preventing buckling by providing rotational support and maintaining connection integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mounting clip uses a fastener with a washer or spacer to allow relative movement, then the curtain wall can move with respect to the load bearing system, but the mounting clip is prone to buckling under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative movement capabilityVSAvoidbuckling resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clip is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion engaging the supported member, a spacer portion providing movement clearance, and a reinforcing member forming a U-shape around the spacer. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while collectively preventing buckling through the reinforcing member's geometric strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting clip combines multiple material properties and structural forms: the body and spacer are typically metal components, while the reinforcing member creates a composite U-shaped structure that encloses the spacer. This composite construction provides both the flexibility needed for movement and the rigidity to prevent buckling under load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of moving object

If the spacer or washer is thicker than the receiving portion of the mounting clip, then relative movement is enabled, but the mounting clip lacks structural support against buckling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacer thicknessVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is nested within the U-shaped reinforcing member, creating a protected internal structure. The reinforcing member's legs extend on opposite sides of the spacer and are connected by a base, effectively enclosing the spacer and providing structural support that prevents buckling while maintaining the thickness needed for relative movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If planar flaps or extensions extend over the receiving portion to prevent pulling away, then connection integrity is maintained, but the clip complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection integrityVSAvoidclip structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing member is merged with the body and spacer to form an integrated U-shaped structure. Rather than adding separate planar flaps as distinct components, the reinforcing member's legs and base are formed as a unified structure that both prevents pulling away and provides buckling resistance, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3571357B1Drift clip

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SIMPSON STRONG TIE

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AI summary

A connection between supported and supporting structural members, particularly for use in structures where the supported member needs to move with respect to the supporting member. The connector includes a mounting clip and one or more sliders receiving in one or more openings in the mounting clip. The connector is formed with overlapping members.