External Seismic Connecting Device for Prefabricated Panel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earthquake protection systems for prefabricated panels face issues with misalignment during installation, requiring complex and costly interventions, and are difficult to replace or restore due to the need for direct modifications to the building structure.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with sheet-like elements and plates that can be easily inserted into guides on the slab and panel, allowing for snap-on engagement and adjustable alignment, eliminating the need for an entry window and simplifying installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guides are embedded inside walls for slider positioning, then seismic constraint reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is extracted from the wall embedding and repositioned on the external surface of the panel. The device comprises a first element fixed to the panel and a second element fixed to the slab, with a connection element joining them externally. This eliminates the need for complex wall embedding while maintaining seismic constraint functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection element acts as an intermediary between the first element (on panel) and second element (on slab). This intermediary component simplifies the overall structure by replacing complex embedded mechanisms with a straightforward external connector that can be easily installed and adjusted.
2Manufacturing precision
If guides are embedded inside walls, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three independent components: first element (on panel), second element (on slab), and connection element (external connector). Each component can be manufactured separately with standard precision, avoiding the need for complex integrated embedding while maintaining alignment through the connection element's design.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second elements are fixed to the panel and slab respectively before the connection element is installed. This preliminary positioning allows for easy adjustment and alignment of the connection element without requiring complex embedded guide systems, simplifying both manufacturing and installation.
3Strength
If complex embedded fixing is used, then seismic resistance is improved, but ease of repair and replacement worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily removed and replaced without damaging the panel or slab. If seismic performance needs to be upgraded or the component fails, only the connection element needs to be replaced, not the entire embedded fixing system, enabling quick repair and recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static embedded fixing to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The connection element can be installed, adjusted, and removed as needed, providing flexibility for repair and replacement while maintaining seismic resistance through proper mechanical connection design.
4Reliability
If entry window is created in wall for track installation, then slider guidance is improved, but loss of substance and structural damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slider guidance system is extracted from the wall interior and repositioned externally. The first and second elements provide guidance and constraint functionality without requiring an entry window or hole in the wall, thus preventing structural damage while maintaining slider guidance reliability.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
Described is an earthquake protection system, particularly for prefabricated panels which comprises a device (1, 101, 201, 301) for connecting between two walls (21, 22) of a building: a slab (21) and a panel (22). The connecting device (1, 101, 201, 301) is designed to be moved at least along a direction of translation (10, 20, 110, 220, 320) by guide means (7, 8, 108, 207, 307) associated with at least one of the two walls (21, 22). The direction of translation (10, 20, 110, 220, 320) is substantially parallel to the plane in which at least one of the two walls (21, 22) lies, which has at least one degree of freedom.