Freestanding Wall Seismic Brackets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable wall systems for areas of significant seismic activity are complex and expensive due to the need for extensive seismic design requirements, often featuring conspicuous structures for securing the system to the building.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding wall system with a support assembly that includes a post member, cornice members, and corner brackets, where the structural components are internally disposed and obscured by other components, providing both seismic robustness and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conspicuous securing structures (elongated cables, large plates) are used to meet seismic design requirements, then the wall system's reliability and strength are improved, but the device complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing securing structures inside the cross-sectional footprint of the post member. The lower post bracket and upper post bracket are received within the post member's interior, with the corner brackets nested within channels of the cornice member. This hidden arrangement maintains seismic reliability while eliminating conspicuous external securing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the securing function from the external surface and relocates it to the internal structure. The brackets that provide seismic securing are taken out from the external view and placed within the post member's footprint and the cornice member's channels, separating the structural function from the aesthetic appearance.
2Reliability
If conspicuous securing structures are used to meet seismic design requirements, then the wall system's reliability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing structures are nested within the existing structural components - the post member and cornice member - so that they are not visible from the outside. The lower post bracket and upper post bracket are received within the post member's cross-sectional footprint, and corner brackets are received within channels of the cornice member, creating a clean aesthetic appearance while maintaining seismic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual presence of securing structures is extracted by placing them inside the structural components. The brackets that provide seismic securing are taken out from the external view and integrated into the internal architecture of the post and cornice members, eliminating the need for conspicuous external securing elements.
3Strength
If extensive securing structures are used to meet seismic design requirements, then the wall system's strength is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the lower post bracket for floor securing, houses the upper post bracket for cornice securing, and contains the corner brackets within its channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated securing components, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining seismic strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the securing function with the structural support function. The same post member and cornice member that provide structural support also contain the brackets needed for seismic securing. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate securing components, reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A freestanding wall system includes a support assembly having a post member, a cornice member including a first channel and a second channel, a first corner bracket coupling the cornice member to the post member. The first corner bracket is received in the first channel of the cornice member. A second corner bracket couples the cornice member to the post member, and the second corner bracket is received in the second channel of the cornice member.