ICF Structural Connector Assembly for Direct Concrete Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural connectors for insulated concrete formwork are costly, labor-intensive, and inefficient, requiring heavy-duty materials and complex installation processes, while lacking versatility and direct connection to reinforced concrete for enhanced stability and strength.
Innovation Solution
A single, multi-functional structural connector using a cylinder bolt assembly with double and triple shear points, embedded in the concrete, allowing direct connection to reinforced concrete and accommodating various wood and steel sizes, with internal adjustability and horizontal/vertical reinforcement bar reception, eliminating the need for secondary components and reducing installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional heavy duty steel brackets and plates are used to connect ledger boards to ICF walls, then the connection strength is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bracket, plate, and fastening elements into a single integrated structural connector component. This unified design eliminates the need for separate heavy duty steel brackets and plates, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength through the integrated load path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural connector is designed as a universal component that can connect various wood and steel ledger sizes to ICF walls through a single interface system. The connector accommodates different ledger dimensions and material types, reducing the need for multiple specialized bracket and plate configurations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional heavy duty steel brackets and plates with multiple screws are used, then connection stability is improved, but the number of components and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single structural connector component that achieves stable connection through integrated load distribution mechanisms, eliminating the need to install multiple separate screws and fasteners individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural connector is pre-configured with integrated fastening elements and load distribution features during manufacturing, allowing installers to achieve stable connections through a simplified installation process rather than assembling multiple components on-site.
3Force
If heavy duty steel plates and brackets are used to compensate for unsupported load transfer span, then load capacity is improved, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural connector integrates multiple load transfer functions into a single optimized component design, achieving high load capacity through efficient load path integration rather than relying on the cumulative weight of multiple heavy steel plates and brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design optimizes material distribution and structural geometry to achieve high load capacity with reduced weight, changing the parameters of material usage and structural configuration to eliminate the need for excessive heavy duty steel components.
4Strength
If conventional connectors require multiple heavy duty screws through thick steel plates, then connection strength is improved, but power tool durability and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The structural connector integrates fastening elements and connection mechanisms into a unified design that reduces the number of fastener installations required, making the installation process more operator-friendly while maintaining connection strength through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design uses optimized fastening elements that are easier on power tools, potentially using lighter duty but more numerous fasteners or integrated mechanical connection methods that reduce stress on drilling equipment compared to driving heavy duty screws through thick steel plates.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method associated with the device. With respect to the device, it is a structural connector for fastening structural components in insulated concrete formwork (ICF). The structural connector consists of a double threaded cylinder bolt assembly that aligns through openings in the ICF wall. One end of the cylinder bolt assembly embeds into the cavity of the ICF wall where openings in the cylinder bolt assembly receive concrete and reinforcement bars. The other end of the cylinder bolt assembly is threaded to receive a double threaded washer head bolt. The cylinder bolt assembly is used to mount ledger boards, floor joist hangers and roof truss connectors to the ICF wall, locking them together acting as one unit in withstanding bending and uplift loads imposed by large forces such as floor and roof truss systems.