Floating Bushing Fastener for Non-Load-Bearing Wall Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction techniques result in non-load bearing walls becoming load bearing, leading to structural issues like dips in floors and cracking, due to improper connection with load bearing components, which can be addressed by implementing a floating connection that accommodates vertical movement while limiting lateral and transverse movement.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising an adapter, fastener, and bushing, where the fastener has a threaded and unthreaded portion, and the bushing is slidable, allowing for a one-step installation of a floating connection by driving the fastener into both members with the bushing embedded in the non-load bearing member, ensuring the fastener head remains proud relative to the non-load bearing member.
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 structural issues like dips in floors and cracking
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 component. The unthreaded portion with slip surface coating provides a floating connection that prevents direct load transfer while maintaining wall stability, eliminating the harmful structural damage caused by flush construction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a floating connection is implemented to prevent load transfer, then structural issues are avoided, but the wall requires additional bracing against lateral movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated fastening system: the head provides lateral bracing against the non-load bearing wall, the unthreaded portion with slip surface creates the floating connection to prevent load transfer, and the threaded portion secures the assembly to the load bearing component. This merging eliminates the need for separate bracing systems while maintaining structural integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fastener head engages against the underside of the top plate, then the fastener provides lateral bracing, but the head may interfere with the floating connection's ability to accommodate vertical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the head provides lateral bracing engagement with the non-load bearing wall, the unthreaded portion with slip surface coating provides vertical movement accommodation through floating connection, and the threaded portion provides secure attachment to the load bearing component. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with others.
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 provides a reliable and durable floating connection that prevents structural issues by allowing vertical movement between non-load bearing and load bearing components, maintaining stability and preventing load transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The unthreaded portion has a slip surface or Teflon-like coating to facilitate sliding along the unthreaded portion
Data Source
AI summary
A floating connection fastening system employs a semi-flexible floating bushing having a sleeve with an axial slot which captures a fastener having a head, an unthreaded shank portion, a threaded portion and an intermediate reamer. An adapter mounts to the bushing/fastener assembly and receives a driver bit. The adapter defines an offset clearance. The floating connection is installed by driving the fastener through a non-load bearing member so as to form a bore and embed the fastener into a load bearing member. The floating bushing has a flange which engages the surface of the non-load bearing member. The installation may be performed in essentially a one-step procedure.