Building Frame Assembly With Washer-Free Spreader Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building frame systems face challenges in efficiently forming structural members for building structures, particularly in creating a planar support surface without the need for washers or packing, and in accommodating services like wiring and pipework effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of a frame system comprising beam members with parallel flanges and a web, and spreader members with reduced width end portions that fit between the beam members' flanges, allowing for direct fastening without washers, and featuring apertures for service accommodation, along with a forming machine that punches, folds, and shapes metal sheets to create these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional beam members with full-width flanges are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the members cannot be directly fastened without washers or packing
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader member features a reduced width end portion at its terminal ends while maintaining the full web depth, creating a localized fit-between region. This allows the spreader to fit directly between the beam flanges without washers or packing at the fastening location, while the rest of the spreader maintains full structural integrity. The reduced width portion is specifically positioned where fastening occurs, enabling direct connection while preserving overall strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spreader member has uniform width throughout, then manufacturing is simpler, but the end portions cannot fit between the beam members' flanges
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader member is designed with a non-uniform cross-section, featuring reduced width end portions at the terminal ends while maintaining full web depth in the central region. This localized geometric variation enables the end portions to fit between the beam flanges for direct fastening, while the central portion maintains full structural dimensions. The transition zones between reduced and full width portions are formed through controlled folding or bending of the metal sheet during manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional frame systems are used, then structural support is provided, but service accommodation requires additional drilling and modification
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader member incorporates pre-formed apertures and openings in its web portion during the metal sheet forming process. These apertures are strategically positioned to accommodate services such as wiring, pipework, or other building utilities. By incorporating these openings during the initial fabrication of the spreader member, the system eliminates the need for subsequent drilling or modification operations, reducing on-site construction complexity while maintaining adaptability for service routing.
4Ease of operation
If separate fastening components like washers and packing are used, then fastening flexibility is improved, but assembly time and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader member integrates the fastening function directly into its structure through the reduced width end portions that fit between the beam flanges. This design eliminates the need for separate fastening components such as washers, packing, or additional plates. The reduced width portions act as built-in fastening elements, allowing direct bolt or screw connection between the spreader and beam members. This merging of structural and fastening functions reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly procedures, and decreases assembly time while maintaining fastening flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame system for a building structure includes beam members. Each beam member includes two opposed, parallel flanges. A web is interposed between the flanges. Spreader members include two opposed, parallel side flanges, a web interposed between the side flanges and two opposed end flanges bridging the side flanges at respective terminal ends of the web. The beam members and the spreader members are configured to be fastened to each other to form a frame assembly.