Framing Components With Positioning Dimples For Secure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural framing systems, particularly in commercial buildings, face challenges in efficient and secure assembly of steel or metal alloy components due to misalignment and interference issues during construction, which affect the structural integrity and speed of the building process.
Innovation Solution
A structural framing system comprising components with upper and lower flange elements separated by a web, featuring positioning dimples that facilitate precise alignment and assembly, along with securing plate members that minimize interference and ensure stable connections between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional steel framing components are used without specialized alignment features, then the assembly process is simpler in terms of component design, but misalignment and interference issues occur during construction affecting structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating positioning dimples and alignment features directly into the framing components during manufacturing. These features are pre-formed to guide subsequent assembly operations, ensuring precise alignment of flange elements before the actual connection is made. This eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during construction while maintaining component simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing positioning dimples as intermediate alignment features between the flange elements. These dimples act as mediators that facilitate the alignment process during assembly, allowing the flange elements to self-align without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures. The dimples create a controlled interface that guides the assembly process.
2Productivity
If framing components are designed with standard dimensions, then manufacturing is more efficient, but interference issues occur during assembly affecting construction speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming positioning dimples and alignment features during the manufacturing process. These features are created in advance to guide the assembly operation, ensuring that standard-dimensional components can be assembled quickly and easily without requiring custom modifications. The pre-formed features eliminate the need for complex alignment procedures during construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specialized positioning features (dimples and alignment marks) at specific locations on the framing components rather than modifying the entire component design. This allows standard dimensions to be maintained while adding localized alignment assistance where it is most needed during assembly, thereby improving both assembly speed and ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If plate members are made with standard heights, then manufacturing is simpler, but interference with positioning dimples occurs during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the portion of the plate member that interacts with the positioning dimples, while maintaining standard dimensions for the rest of the component. The plate member is designed with a reduced height in the specific region where it approaches the positioning dimples, preventing interference during attachment. This localized modification ensures reliable attachment without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a dynamic design approach by creating a plate member with varying height profiles - standard height in most regions for manufacturing simplicity, but reduced height in specific zones to avoid interference with positioning dimples during assembly. This dynamic height variation ensures reliable attachment while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural framing system comprising at least one first framing component having upper and lower flange elements separated by a web element having a depth measured between the upper and lower flange elements, the upper and lower flange elements having positioning dimples spaced therealong, the upper dimples protruding from the upper flange element toward the lower flange element and the lower dimples protruding from the lower flange element toward the upper flange element in such manner that a distance between the upper and lower dimples is less than the depth of the web, at least one second framing component having a depth adapted to fit between the upper and lower flange elements of the first framing component and extending from positions along the first framing component substantially corresponding to the locations of the corresponding upper and lower positioning dimples, and at least one third framing component for securing together the first and second framing components, comprising a first plate member adapted to be secured to the web of the first framing component having a height substantially equal to the depth of the web of the first framing component, and a second plate member adapted to be secured to a surface of the second framing component, a portion thereof having a height less than the distance between the upper and lower dimples so as to avoid interference with the dimples during attachment of the third framing component to the first and second framing components.