Bracket with Flex-Fit Flanges for Joist Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional framing assemblies are complex, cumbersome, and inefficient to deploy on-site due to the need for external connections and additional components, which complicates construction and reduces speed and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A system of interlocking framing components featuring a bracket with flexible lateral wings that can be inserted into the joist interior, allowing for snap-in engagement and eliminating the need for external connections, thereby simplifying the assembly process and maintaining a flat top surface for construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional external connections and sleeves are used to attach joists, then structural connections can be made, but the assembly complexity increases and construction speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural connection, positioning, and fastening capabilities all in one piece that fits within the joist interior. This eliminates the need for separate sleeves, tracks, or external connecting components, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed to be nested within the joist interior portion, with lateral wings that fit between the joist flanges. This nesting approach eliminates external protruding components and keeps the connection system compact and integrated within the existing joist structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If external sleeves or tracks are used to connect adjacent joists, then joist connections are achieved, but an elevated surface is created that complicates framing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoist connectionVSAvoidsurface flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is nested within the joist interior portion, with lateral wings that fit between the joist flanges. This nesting approach eliminates external protruding components and keeps the connection system compact and integrated within the existing joist structure, maintaining the external surface profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of connecting joists from the outside with external sleeves or tracks, the bracket connects joists from the inside by fitting within the joist interior portion. This inverted approach reverses the conventional external connection method and eliminates the creation of elevated external surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If conventional framing assemblies are used, then structural connections can be made, but additional manufacturing steps and components are required reducing construction efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidconstruction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is pre-configured with lateral wings and fastening features that enable direct insertion and immediate engagement with the joist flanges. This preliminary configuration allows for quick installation without requiring on-site assembly of multiple components or additional manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances the speed and efficiency of construction by simplifying the assembly process, reducing the need for external components, and maintaining a flat, uninterrupted surface for mounting, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional framing systems.

Implementation Method 1

the first lateral wing and the second lateral wing configured to flex relative to the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10024048B2Systems and methods for framing components including brackets with flex-fit flanges

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 FARM BOY BUILDER LLC

AI summary

A bracket is disclosed. The bracket is coupled to a joist by rotating the bracket relative to the joist until the longitudinal axis of the bracket is aligned in parallel orientation with the longitudinal axis of the joist to achieve a snap-in engagement. The bracket includes a first bracket section having a first lateral wing and an opposite second lateral wing extending outwardly from a base of the first bracket section and a second bracket section that is aligned in perpendicular orientation relative to the first bracket section. The first lateral wing is configured to flex relative to the base, and the second lateral wing is configured to flex relative to the base during engagement of the bracket to a joist.