Joist Nailer Plate Assembly for Faster Load-Transferring Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joist and nailer assemblies in construction require numerous fasteners and pre-drilled apertures for secure attachment, increasing assembly time and labor costs, while lacking an efficient method to provide lateral stability and axial force transfer between the wooden nailer member and the upper chord.
Innovation Solution
The use of nailer plates with perforated apertures forming teeth, which are bent to press into the nailer member, and a chord portion that extends around the upper chord, secured using self-drilling screws, powder pins, or welds, to reduce the number of connections needed for assembly and enhance load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If numerous fasteners and pre-drilled apertures are used for secure attachment, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nailer plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: a chord portion for attaching to the steel joist, a nailer portion for attaching to the wooden member, and teeth formed by perforated apertures for mechanical interlocking. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the need for numerous fasteners while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The teeth are pre-formed by bending the nailer plate so that the perforated apertures create protruding teeth before assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for pre-drilling apertures and reduces the number of fasteners required, as the teeth provide immediate mechanical interlocking when pressed into the nailer member.
2Strength
If numerous fasteners and pre-drilled apertures are used for secure attachment, then connection strength is improved, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nailer plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: a chord portion for attaching to the steel joist, a nailer portion for attaching to the wooden member, and teeth formed by perforated apertures for mechanical interlocking. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the need for numerous fasteners while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The nailer plate is designed to be self-forming, where bending the plate automatically creates the teeth structure through the perforated apertures. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for separate operations to create attachment features, reducing labor steps and costs while ensuring consistent connection strength.
3Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used, then assembly steps are sufficient, but efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth are pre-formed by bending the nailer plate so that the perforated apertures create protruding teeth before assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for pre-drilling apertures and reduces the number of fasteners required, as the teeth provide immediate mechanical interlocking when pressed into the nailer member.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single nailer plate component: the chord portion provides attachment to the steel joist, the nailer portion provides attachment to the wooden member, and the teeth provide mechanical interlocking. This consolidation reduces the number of separate connection elements needed, improving assembly efficiency while maintaining reliable connections.
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 solution reduces assembly time and labor costs by minimizing the number of connections required, while providing enhanced lateral stability and axial force transfer between the nailer member and the upper chord, improving the overall efficiency of the joist and nailer assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The nailer plate is bent, the teeth are pressed into the nailer member
Implementation Method 2
The one or more plate connections comprise a weld. In other embodiments, the weld is a toe weld on a toe of the chord portion of a nailer plate
Data Source
AI summary
Joists of a structural roofing system typically comprises an upper chord, a lower chord, and web(s), which operatively couple the upper chord to the lower chord. The upper chord and the lower chord may each be formed from two angle members (e.g., otherwise described as L-shaped members). The web may also be formed from a plurality of web members, such as angle members. The joists utilize nailer members on the upper chord to provide a location for assembly with decking panels. The nailer member is attached to the upper chord through the use of nailer plates, which have a plurality of perforated apertures that form teeth. The nailer plate is bent, the teeth are pressed into the nailer member, and plate connections are used to assemble the nailer plates (e.g., manually, automatically, or both) to the upper chord of the joist to form a joist and nailer assembly.