Drift Track Connector for Structural Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building connectors fail to provide strong load-bearing capabilities while allowing for necessary relative movement between structural members due to uneven settlement, deflection from wind or seismic forces, and changes in load, often leading to stress and potential fractures or gaps.

Innovation Solution

A connector system comprising a track and slide clip connector made from cold-formed steel, allowing bi-directional relative movement between structural members, with a first portion sliding within the track and a second portion attaching to another structural member via fasteners, featuring flanges and contours for stability and easy sliding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional slip clips with reinforcing members are used, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two distinct components: a slip clip portion that engages with the track and a structural member portion that attaches to the building element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The track serves as an intermediary element between the slip clip and the structural member. The slip clip attaches to the track, which in turn connects to the structural member, distributing forces and simplifying the design of each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple fasteners are used to strengthen the connection, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple attachment functions are merged into a single integrated slip clip component. The slip clip combines the functions of multiple fasteners and reinforcing members into one piece that attaches to the track in a single operation, reducing installation time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connector is designed to allow relative movement, then adaptability to settlement and deflection is improved, but connection strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move relative to the track along the longitudinal axis while maintaining a strong connection. The slip clip can slide within the track to accommodate settlement and deflection, yet the flanged portions provide continuous bearing surface contact to maintain connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10961704B2Drift track

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 SIMPSON STRONG TIE

AI summary

A connection between supporting and supported structural members, particularly between curtain walls and interior support structures, wherein the connector is a member having first portion and a second portion joined at a junction and the second portion is formed with a plurality of elongated slots and the connector rides in a track attached to the first structural member.