Floating Bushing Connection for Vertical Wall Movement Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction techniques fail to effectively implement a floating connection between non-load bearing walls and load bearing structures, leading to potential load transfer, floor dips, cracking, and structural failures due to lack of relative vertical movement accommodation.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a bushing and a fastener with a slidable sleeve and unthreaded proximal section, allowing for axial and rotational movement, combined with a driver offset adaptor to create a gap and secure the connection between non-load bearing and load bearing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the non-load bearing wall is built flush to the underside of the load bearing components, then the wall becomes load bearing or quasi-load bearing, but this results in load transfer to structural components causing floor dips, cracking, and structural failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fastening system with a head, unthreaded portion, and threaded portion that acts as an intermediary between the non-load bearing wall and the load bearing structure. The unthreaded portion with slip surface coating creates a floating connection that prevents direct load transfer while maintaining wall positioning, resolving the contradiction between wall stability and structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connection interface by creating a gap (1/2 to 3/4 inch) between the wall top plate and the load bearing component underside, and by using a coated unthreaded fastener portion that allows controlled movement. This parameter change enables the wall to remain positioned without becoming load bearing, preventing structural failure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a floating connection is implemented by creating gaps between the wall and load bearing member, then relative vertical movement is accommodated, but the wall still requires bracing against lateral movement which complicates the fastening system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vertical movement accommodation function and lateral bracing function into a single integrated fastening system. The fastener with its head, unthreaded portion, and threaded portion simultaneously allows vertical floating movement while providing lateral resistance through the head bearing against the top plate and threads engaging the load bearing member, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system performs multiple functions: it accommodates vertical movement through the unthreaded portion with slip surface, provides lateral bracing through the head and threaded portion engagement, and maintains wall positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate bracing components, simplifying the overall fastening system.
3Reliability
If a specially configured fastener with unthreaded portion and slip surface coating is used, then floating connection is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into distinct functional portions: a head for lateral bracing, an unthreaded portion with slip surface coating for vertical movement accommodation, and a threaded portion for structural engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while using standard manufacturing techniques for common fastener components, balancing reliability with manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a relatively simple fastener design that can be manufactured cost-effectively using standard processes. The fastener serves as a disposable or replaceable component that provides reliable floating connection without requiring expensive materials or complex manufacturing, making the solution economically viable for widespread construction application.
Data Source
AI summary
A floating connection fastening system employs a semi-flexible floating bushing having a sleeve that may have an axial slot which captures a fastener having a head, an unthreaded shank portion and a threaded portion. The sleeve may have an outer primary surface and a plurality of protuberances that project outward from the outer primary surface. An offset cap mounts to the bushing/fastener assembly and receives a driver bit. The offset cap defines an offset clearance for installation of the fastener and bushing. The floating connection is installed by driving the fastener through a non-load bearing member so as to form a bore and threadably engage a load bearing member. The floating bushing has a flange which engages the surface of the non-load bearing member, and the sleeve is entirely received in the formed bore.