Hinged Connector Seat for Sloped and Skewed Member Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for structural members, particularly those for sloped and skewed installations, often require notching of rafters or joists and are not adaptable to varying angles, limiting their applicability and installation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a hinged seat and adjustable back members that can accommodate skew angles up to 45 degrees, allowing for field adjustment and reduced fastener usage, enabling secure sloped and skewed connections without notching, featuring a design with elongated openings for bending and obround fastener openings for angled fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a typical hanger with a horizontal seat is used, then it works well for floor and wall connections with horizontal joists, but it cannot accommodate sloped rafters without notching
Solution Approach 1:
The seat member is made flexible through a hinge connection to the back member, allowing it to dynamically adjust its angle to match sloped rafters. This flexible adaptation eliminates the need for notching while maintaining ease of installation, as the seat can be positioned at various angles to accommodate different rafter slopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection allows the seat member to change its angular parameter relative to the back member. By varying the angle of the seat member, the connector can adapt to different rafter slopes without requiring custom fabrication or notching, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and adaptability.
2Strength
If the seat member is directly connected to side members for stability, then the structure is stronger, but it cannot bend to accommodate varying joist angles
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection between the seat member and back member creates a dynamic joint that allows angular adjustment while maintaining structural integrity. This enables the connector to adapt to varying joist angles without compromising strength, as the hinge provides both flexibility and load-bearing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate members (back member, seat member, side members) connected by hinges. This segmentation allows individual members to move independently, enabling the seat to adjust to different angles while the side members maintain structural stability through their connection to the back member.
3Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the connector, then the connection is stronger, but the installation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with distinct functional segments (back member for attachment, seat member for support, side members for positioning) that can be installed in a logical sequence. This segmentation allows for simpler installation with fewer fasteners, as each segment serves a specific purpose and can be secured independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The back member serves multiple functions: it provides the primary attachment surface to the support structure, houses the hinge mechanism for angle adjustment, and supports the side members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and fasteners, simplifying installation while maintaining connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided to attach a supported member to a supporting member, with the supported member being in sloped and skewed relation to the supporting member. The connector has back members attached to side members. A seat member attaches to the side members through a hinged connection. The seat member interfaces with the bottom face of the supported member and can be disposed at a sloped angle. A pair of seat side members extend from the seat member.