Fastener-Web Wood Truss Module for Utility Routing Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural truss modules with wood components obstruct the placement of longitudinally extending components like utility lines due to their design, and they lack efficient integration with mechanical and electrical systems, while also being limited in fire resistance and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A structural truss module comprising a pair of spaced parallel elongated wood chords connected by a web of metal support rods or fasteners, which allows for oblique angle embedding and customizable configurations to accommodate various building applications, enhancing space for mechanical and electrical systems and providing improved fire resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a web principally composed of wood or wood-derived components is used to connect chords, then the truss module achieves structural integrity and fire resistance, but the web occupies a significant portion of space between chords, obstructing placement of utility lines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the web material from wood to metal fasteners, removing the obstructing wood components while retaining the structural connection function. The metal fasteners are driven through the chords to form a web that provides structural integrity without occupying significant space between the chords, thereby clearing the area for utility line placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining metal fasteners with wood chords, creating a hybrid structure where the metal web components connect the wooden chords. This composite approach allows the metal fasteners to provide the connecting function with minimal space occupation, while the wood chords maintain their structural role.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional wood web components are used, then fire resistance is maintained, but placement of longitudinally extending components such as utility lines is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes wood from the web portion of the truss module while retaining it in the chord portions where fire resistance is critical. The metal fasteners form a space-efficient web that does not obstruct utility line placement, while the wood chords maintain fire resistance at the structural boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different materials to different parts of the structure: metal fasteners are used for the web portion where space efficiency and utility access are priorities, while wood is retained for the chords where fire resistance is most critical. This local differentiation optimizes both fire resistance and adaptability for utility placement.
3Strength
If metal fasteners are driven through chords at oblique angles, then structural integrity is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs preliminary action by using pre-configured jigs and fixtures that establish the correct oblique angles for fastener installation before the fastening process begins. These fixtures guide the metal fasteners through the chords at the precise oblique angles required for optimal structural integrity, eliminating the need for complex manual angle calculations and adjustments during manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a structural truss module that employs a fastener web to interconnect elongated wood chords includes spacing a pair of elongated chords in a parallel spaced relationship, followed by driving fasteners through a first of the chords and into the second of the chords at oblique angled. The fasteners may converge toward each other. The chords may optionally be cut at an intermediate position between longitudinal ends. The chords may be spaced with use of a jig assembly. A matrix of quasi-convergent adjacent pairs of fasteners may be employed. The structural truss modules may form part of a roof for a header or a structural wall. The fasteners may be threaded.