Interlocking Spacer Braces for Restricting Frame Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal framing systems face challenges in securely connecting spacing-bracing members, particularly in restricting both horizontal and vertical movements, due to changes in metal properties that make fasteners less effective.

Innovation Solution

The use of notches in spacing-bracing members that intersect and connect with the hole side edges of support members, along with various configurations such as U-shaped and reverse lip designs, to securely overlap and engage with the support member, thereby eliminating horizontal and vertical movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fasteners are used to connect spacing-bracing members to metal framing members, then the connection can be established, but the connection becomes less effective due to changes in metal properties that make surfaces more abrasive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection effectivenessVSAvoidmetal surface abrasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the fastener component entirely from the connection system. Instead of using separate fasteners that interact with abrasive metal surfaces, the spacing-bracing member itself is formed with integrated connection features (notches, lips, flanges) that engage directly with the framing member holes, eliminating the fastener and its associated reliability issues with abrasive surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection mechanism from friction-based (fasteners relying on thread engagement) to geometry-based (interlocking notches and lips). This parameter change in the connection approach makes the connection effective independent of surface abrasiveness, as the engagement relies on precise geometric fit rather than surface friction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional connection methods are used, then spacing-bracing members can be attached, but both horizontal and vertical movements cannot be restricted simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement restrictionVSAvoidconnection configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into distinct functional elements: horizontal movement is restricted by lips engaging the sides of the hole, while vertical movement is restricted by notches at the bottom of the hole. This segmentation of movement control functions into separate geometric features allows simultaneous restriction of both horizontal and vertical movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection features exhibit asymmetric geometry where the notch configuration at the bottom of the hole provides vertical constraint while the lip configuration at the sides provides horizontal constraint. This asymmetric design allows each feature to specialize in restricting movement in its respective direction without interfering with the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If notches are used to connect spacing-bracing members to support members, then horizontal and vertical movements are eliminated, but the connection requires precise geometric alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidgeometric alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The notches and lips are pre-formed as integral features of the spacing-bracing member during manufacturing. This preliminary formation of the connection geometry ensures that when the member is installed, the alignment features are already precisely configured, reducing the alignment precision requirements during actual installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method provides a secure and stable connection between spacing-bracing members and support members, enhancing structural integrity by preventing movement and increasing friction, thus improving the overall stability of the framing system.

Implementation Method 1

notches in spacing-bracing members that intersect and connect with the hole side edges of support members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeometric interlocking:

Implementation Method 2

increasing friction, thus improving the overall stability of the framing system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12371900B2Interlocking spacer braces

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 LEBLANG DENNIS

AI summary

Spacing bracing members connect to support members through the hole in the support members by using the notches in the spacing bracing member to intersect the hole side edges. The spacing bracing members can pass through the hole having a hook finger end without extending past the support member. Spacing bracing members overlap at the hole in the support member with the notches from the spacing bracing members engaging the hole side edges. The shape and size of the spacing bracing member can vary depending on the shape of the hole and the location and shape of the notches.