Load Supporting Blocking Member for Metal Stud Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Constructing load-bearing metal stud walls with heavier gauge steel is costly and time-consuming, and requires more soundproofing layers, while lighter gauge walls lack sufficient support for fixtures.

Innovation Solution

A load supporting blocking member with a base and upstanding flange is used to tie metal studs together, allowing for proper support of fixtures using lighter gauge materials, with cutouts for services and a tab for positioning, reducing the need for heavier gauge steel and soundproofing layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If heavier gauge steel (16-20 gauge) is used for load-bearing walls, then the wall can support fixtures and carry loads, but the construction cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion for attachment to the bridging member, an upstanding flange for fixture support, and a tab for positioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling the use of lighter gauge materials while maintaining load-bearing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the lightweight metal studs and the fixtures that need support. It transfers loads from fixtures to the stud wall structure, allowing the use of lighter gauge materials (22-26 gauge) instead of heavier gauge steel, thereby reducing construction time and cost while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If heavier gauge steel (16-20 gauge) is used for load-bearing walls, then the wall can support fixtures, but the material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixture support capabilityVSAvoidsteel material cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be manufactured from lightweight materials. It provides the necessary structural support for fixtures without requiring expensive heavier gauge steel throughout the entire wall structure, thus reducing material costs while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member concentrates structural support where needed - at the location where fixtures are mounted - rather than requiring the entire wall structure to be made of heavy gauge steel. The base, flange, and tab are strategically designed to provide localized strength exactly where fixtures require support, allowing the rest of the wall to use lighter, more cost-effective materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If heavier gauge steel is used for load-bearing walls, then the wall can support fixtures, but more layers of wallboard are required for soundproofing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capabilityVSAvoidsoundproofing layers

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member serves as an intermediary that enables fixture support in lightweight wall constructions, eliminating the need to use heavier gauge steel throughout the wall. This, in turn, reduces or eliminates the need for additional soundproofing layers that would be required if heavier gauge steel were used, thereby simplifying the overall wall structure while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If lighter gauge materials (22-26 gauge) are used for partition walls, then construction cost and time are reduced, but the wall lacks sufficient support for fixtures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction timeVSAvoidfixture support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is segmented into functional portions (base, flange, tab) that work together to provide fixture support in lightweight wall constructions. This segmentation allows the lighter gauge materials to be used throughout the wall while the blocking member provides the necessary structural support at critical locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between lightweight wall materials and the need for strong fixture support. It transfers loads from fixtures to the lightweight stud wall structure, enabling the use of lighter gauge materials (22-26 gauge) while maintaining sufficient strength for fixture installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8997418B2Load supporting blocking member for use in a metal stud wall

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 BAILEY METAL PRODUCTS LTD

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a load supporting blocking member for use in a metal stud wall having a plurality of parallel spaced apart metal studs, each of the studs having an aligned opening and horizontal bridging member passing through the aligned openings and tying the studs together. The load supporting blocking member comprises a base for overlying and being attached to the bridging member and an upstanding flange extending from one edge of the base the depth of the base being sufficient to overly the bridging member and position the upstanding flange in line with the edges of the studs in the metal stud wall.