Modular Wall Connector With Sliding Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing divider wall systems connected to structural components of buildings face challenges during seismic events, as they can damage due to rigid connections with structural elements like walls and floors, and there is a need for a solution that allows flexible movement while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A divider wall installation comprising a structural wall and extension divider walls with a frame system that includes vertical and horizontal supports, torsion bars, and panels that can be secured to conceal structural elements, allowing for flexible connections using fasteners and modular designs to minimize damage during seismic events and enhance aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If extension divider walls are rigidly connected to structural walls and floors, then structural integrity and stability are improved, but damage occurs during seismic events due to inability to accommodate structural movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the extension divider wall to move dynamically relative to the structural wall during seismic events. The connector includes a slot through which a pin can slide, enabling the non-structural wall to accommodate horizontal and vertical movements of the structural components without rigid constraint, thus preventing damage while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary element between the structural wall and the extension divider wall. This intermediate component provides a controlled connection that allows relative movement while maintaining structural integrity, mediating between the rigid structural components and the flexible non-structural wall to prevent direct damage transmission.
2Reliability
If extension divider walls are made movable relative to structural components, then damage during seismic events is minimized, but structural integrity and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the extension divider wall to move dynamically relative to the structural wall during seismic events. The connector includes a slot through which a pin can slide, enabling the non-structural wall to accommodate horizontal and vertical movements of the structural components without rigid constraint, thus preventing damage while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary element between the structural wall and the extension divider wall. This intermediate component provides a controlled connection that allows relative movement while maintaining structural integrity, mediating between the rigid structural components and the flexible non-structural wall to prevent direct damage transmission.
3Stability of the object's composition
If connector elements extend through panels to provide rigid connection, then structural stability is improved, but aesthetic appeal is reduced due to visible internal elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is extracted from the visible panel surface and positioned within the cavity formed by the panels. The connector elements are concealed inside the wall structure, removing the aesthetic disadvantage of visible fasteners while maintaining their structural function. The panels themselves conceal the connector assembly from external view.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is nested within the cavity formed by the panels, with the connector elements positioned inside the wall structure rather than extending through the visible surfaces. This nesting arrangement hides the functional components within the aesthetic envelope of the panel system.
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 solution provides a flexible and structurally rigid divider wall system that minimizes damage during seismic events while maintaining aesthetic appeal by allowing the extension divider walls to move relative to structural components and concealing internal elements, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
torsion bars, and panels that can be secured to conceal structural elements, allowing for flexible connections using fasteners
Data Source
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AI summary
Implementations of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for connecting one or more wall modules to structural components of a building. At least one implementation includes connections that can allow the wall module to couple to a structural wall. For instance, the wall module can extend away from an end of the structural wall. In particular, the wall module can have a frame that connects to the structural wall on at least one side face and one or more panels that connect to the frame to at least partially conceal the structural wall and the frame from a first vantage point. Accordingly, the structural wall together with one or more wall modules can divide the floor space of a building into one or more individual spaces.