Fastener Sleeve Assembly for Deflection-Controlled Wall Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener assemblies for securing non-load bearing walls to load-bearing components often result in uneven installations, leading to issues like squeaking floors, stress cracks, and load transfer to unsupported structures, due to inadequate deflection accommodation and inconsistent installation methods.

Innovation Solution

The development of fastener assemblies with removable sleeves and tapered longitudinal ribs, distal slits, and adjustable installation guides that allow for flush and offset installations, accommodating deflection and supporting various materials like wood, cold-formed steel, and concrete, while ensuring secure engagement and minimizing wall loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If fastener assemblies are used to secure non-load bearing walls to load-bearing components, then the walls are firmly attached, but the components cannot deflect under loads causing stress cracks and structural damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidstructural reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener assembly incorporates a movable fastener that can translate axially within the sleeve, allowing the connection to dynamically adjust and accommodate deflection of the load-bearing component while maintaining secure attachment of the non-load bearing wall

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the spacing parameter between the non-load bearing wall and the load-bearing component by allowing axial movement of the fastener, creating a gap that enables deflection while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If components are installed flush without spacing, then the appearance is clean and compact, but deflection causes stress cracks and load transfer to unsupported structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflush appearanceVSAvoidstress cracks
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system controls the spacing parameter between components to create an optimal gap that accommodates deflection while maintaining a clean appearance, preventing stress cracks and unwanted load transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If blocking systems are overbuilt for fastening, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidblocking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and eliminates the need for complex blocking systems by using a specialized sleeve and movable fastener assembly that provides secure attachment directly through the joist or truss, simplifying the overall construction approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve assembly serves multiple functions: it secures the non-load bearing wall, accommodates deflection, and eliminates the need for separate blocking systems, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If the fastener is tightly secured, then the connection is strong, but deflection is restricted causing floor creaking and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidfloor creaking
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener assembly incorporates a movable fastener that can translate axially within the sleeve, allowing the connection to dynamically adjust and accommodate deflection while maintaining secure attachment, thereby preventing floor creaking and noise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4043657A1Fastener sleeve, system and installation method
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 SIMPSON STRONG TIE
  • EP4043657A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4043657A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4043657A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Disclosed are systems, devices and methods used in construction to secure one component, such as a header, to another component, such as a joist, while controlling spacing. Fasteners are used with a removable sleeve member having longitudinal ribs to secure the fastening assembly and prevent movement. An installation guide is provided that facilitates both flush and offset installation.