Unitary Hurricane Framing Tie Bilateral Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wooden framed buildings are susceptible to severe structural damage from extreme weather conditions like high winds and earthquakes due to insufficient strength, necessitating a more effective method to secure framing members from both sides to withstand multi-directional forces.

Innovation Solution

A unitary hurricane framing tie with a U-shaped base and parallel transverse flanges that forms an open-ended three-sided channel for one framing member and an open-ended second channel for another, allowing for bilateral non-oblique nailing to securely affix the members together, even after they have been initially joined.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If two separate hurricane ties are used to secure framing members from both sides, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate hurricane ties into a single unitary framing tie that secures framing members from both sides. The tie features a base member with a first set of nail holes for fastening to a first framing member, and a web member with a second set of nail holes for fastening to a second framing member, all integrated into one piece. This merging maintains the bilateral securing capability while reducing the number of components from two separate ties to one unified tie, thereby improving structural strength without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If two separate hurricane ties are used to secure framing members from both sides, then the structural strength is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The unitary framing tie integrates the functionality of two separate ties into one component, allowing workers to install both sides of the framing connection simultaneously. The base member and web member are joined in a fixed geometric relationship, enabling the entire bilateral connection to be secured in a single installation operation rather than requiring sequential installation of two separate ties, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a unitary framing tie is used to secure members from both sides, then the installation process is simplified, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functional elements into a unitary framing tie that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled component. The base member and web member are joined together with precise geometric relationships established during manufacturing, allowing the complex multi-functional tie to be produced once and then easily installed. This shifts the complexity from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, where the tie can be precisely formed and then简单地 installed on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7971410B2Hurricane framing tie
Publication Date: 2011.07.05 JERKE ALVIN
  • US7971410B2 patent drawing
  • US7971410B2 patent drawing
  • US7971410B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A unitary framing tie is provided for use in securing framing members in wood framed construction. The tie comprises a generally U-shaped base having: a pair of longitudinally spaced apart coplanar plates; a pair of substantially parallel, opposed flanges depending downwardly from the plates; and a pair of substantially parallel, opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the plates. In operation, the tie provides an apparatus capable of securing two framing ties together bilaterally, which may be installed before or after the framing members are affixed together.