Flexible Suspension Assemblies for Seismic Soffit Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for supporting non-structural building components beneath a soffit face challenges in withstanding seismic events and vibrations, as traditional suspension hangers require reinforcement to prevent collapse, adding weight and complexity, and complicating installation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of suspension assemblies with elongate non-rigid members, where one member is oriented vertically and the other is inclined, distributing loads to minimize damage and facilitate easier installation, with adjustable and flexible components to manage tensile forces and absorb vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid threaded rod suspension hangers are used to support non-structural building components, then the components can be suspended beneath a soffit, but the system requires reinforcement to withstand seismic events and vibrations, adding weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent suspension assemblies, each comprising separate first and second elongate non-rigid members. This segmentation allows each member to independently absorb and distribute seismic forces and vibrations, enhancing reliability without requiring complex reinforcement of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the suspension members from rigid (traditional threaded rods) to non-rigid (flexible cables or ropes). This parameter change allows the members to dynamically adapt to seismic events and vibrations through elastic deformation, improving resilience while reducing the need for complex reinforcement structures.
2Reliability
If traditional rigid threaded rod suspension hangers are reinforced to prevent collapse during seismic events, then the components can withstand vibrations, but the threaded rods add weight to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension members transition from rigid material properties to non-rigid, flexible properties. This parameter change enables the members to absorb vibrational energy through elastic deformation rather than requiring additional mass for reinforcement, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of non-rigid members such as flexible cables or ropes represents a shift toward composite or specialized materials that possess high strength-to-weight ratios and superior energy absorption characteristics, allowing the system to withstand vibrations without excessive weight.
3Reliability
If traditional rigid threaded rod suspension hangers are reinforced to prevent collapse during seismic events, then the components can withstand shocks, but installation becomes more complicated and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into multiple independent assemblies with standardized first and second elongate non-rigid members. This segmentation creates modular units that can be independently installed and adjusted, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining the ability to withstand shocks through the collective resilience of multiple members.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-rigid members possess inherent dynamic flexibility that allows them to adapt to installation variations and structural movements without requiring precise alignment or complex adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic property simplifies installation while ensuring the system can withstand shock loads.
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 system effectively supports non-structural components by distributing loads and reducing the transmission of vibrations, enhancing the components' resilience to seismic events while simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
the tensile force in the first elongate non-rigid member is greater than the vertical component of the tensile force in the second elongate non-rigid member
Implementation Method 2
the system effectively supports non-structural components by distributing loads and reducing the transmission of vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting a non-structural building component beneath a soffit of a building. The system has a plurality of suspension assemblies that each have a first elongate non-rigid member, and at least one second elongate non-rigid member. The first elongate non-rigid member is secured at an upper end to a structural portion of the building at a first location, and at a lower end to one of: the non-structural building component, or a support member to which the non-structural building component is secured. The second elongate non-rigid member that is secured at a lower end to one of: the non-structural building component, or the support member to which the non-structural building component is secured, and at an upper end to a structural portion of the building at a second location. The first elongate non-rigid member is oriented substantially vertically. The second location is horizontally spaced from the first location, such that the second elongate non-rigid member is inclined to vertical. When the building is in a stable condition, the tensile force in the first elongate non-rigid member is greater than the vertical component of the tensile force in the second elongate non-rigid member.