Magnetic Expansion Joint Cover Pan with Tether Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional expansion joints fail to securely cover gaps between architectural surfaces during thermal expansion and contraction, and seismic activity, often leading to damage or complete dislodgment, while also being aesthetically unpleasing and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
The use of a magnetic expansion joint system comprising a cover pan with a magnetic strike plate and tethers that magnetically attach to brackets on adjacent surfaces, allowing the cover pan to float and dislodge as needed, while preventing complete separation and facilitating easy access for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional expansion joints are used to cover gaps between architectural surfaces, then the gaps are covered during normal conditions, but the joints fail to securely cover gaps during thermal expansion and contraction or seismic activity, leading to damage or complete dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion joint transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic magnetic attachment system. The cover pan is magnetically attached to the architectural surfaces through brackets, allowing it to flex and move with thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining secure attachment. The magnetic force provides continuous holding power that adapts to movement, preventing damage and dislodgment during seismic activity or normal thermal cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system changes the attachment parameter from mechanical rigid connection to magnetic field-based attraction. This parameter change allows the joint to maintain secure coverage during expansion and contraction by using magnetic force that can accommodate movement while preventing complete separation or damage to the cover pan.
2Reliability
If the cover pan is securely attached to prevent dislodgment, then safety is improved, but maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system replaces traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms (screws, clips, or adhesive bonds) with magnetic field-based attraction. This substitution allows the cover pan to be securely held during operation but easily removed for maintenance by simply overcoming the magnetic force, providing both secure attachment and ease of repair.
3Strength
If the expansion joint uses traditional mechanical attachment methods, then structural strength is maintained, but aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical attachment methods (visible screws, clips, or bonding agents) are replaced with an invisible magnetic field-based system. This maintains structural integrity through strong magnetic attraction while improving ease of operation for maintenance, as the cover pan can be easily detached without tools or damage to surrounding surfaces.
4Strength
If the cover pan is designed to float and dislodge during expansion, then damage is prevented, but complete separation must be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment creates a dynamic connection that allows the cover pan to float and dislodge during expansion to prevent damage, while the continuous magnetic force maintains connection and prevents complete separation. The system adapts its holding strength based on movement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining a controlled connection that allows for movement during expansion while preventing complete separation. The magnetic force acts as a cushion that absorbs the stress of expansion and contraction cycles.
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
The magnetic expansion joint effectively conceals gaps during expansion and contraction, prevents damage by dislodging when necessary, and allows for easy maintenance access, enhancing both safety and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic strike plate has a second width that is at least 110% of the first width of the gap... The cover pan has a closed position in which cover pan covers the gap between the first architectural surface and the second architectural surface and in which the magnetic strike plate is magnetically attached to the at least one magnetic element of the first bracket and the at least one magnetic element of the second bracket
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an expansion joint are provided. The expansion joint is configured to cover a gap between a first architectural surface and a second architectural surface. The expansion joint includes a panel having a first surface and a second surface in which the second surface is opposite the first surface. When the panel covers the gap, the panel is magnetically connected to both of the first architectural surface or the second architectural surface. The expansion joint may also a tether to connect the panel to the architectural surfaces when the panel becomes dislodged.