Multiple Port Beam Bracket for Multi-Material Junctions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for support beams fail to facilitate easy installation and secure attachment between multiple beams, especially when made of different materials, particularly at intersection points.

Innovation Solution

A multiple port beam bracket comprising a plate with side supports and guides, featuring cavities and openings for beam acceptance, along with side attachments and reinforcement to secure beams of various materials, allowing for easy installation and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional single-port brackets are used to connect support beams, then the structure can be simple, but the bracket cannot accommodate multiple beams of different materials at intersection points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple beams of different materialsVSAvoidbracket structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into multiple independent ports (first port, second port, third port, fourth port), each capable of receiving different beam types. This segmentation allows each port to be optimized for specific beam configurations while the overall bracket handles multiple beams of different materials at intersection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed as a universal connection device that can accommodate various beam types (wooden beams, metal beams, composite beams) through its multiple ports. Each port can receive different beam configurations, making the single bracket structure multi-functional and adaptable to diverse construction materials and intersection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support beams are connected at intersection points, then structural coverage is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to material compatibility issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different beam materialsVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different ports of the bracket are designed with locally optimized features for specific beam types. The first port through fourth port each have tailored reception structures that match the characteristics of different beam materials (wooden, metal, composite), making installation straightforward for each material type without requiring different bracket designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is pre-designed with all necessary ports, openings, and attachment features before installation. The multiple ports and side attachments are prepared in advance to accommodate different beam materials, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments or custom modifications during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bracket design accommodates all beam types, then versatility is improved, but the number of components and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-material beam support capabilityVSAvoidnumber of bracket components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional ports and attachment features are merged into a single integrated bracket structure. The first port, second port, third port, and fourth port, along with side attachments and reinforcement features, are combined in one unified device that can handle multiple beams of different materials simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate brackets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket serves as a universal connection device that performs multiple functions: supporting wooden beams, metal beams, and composite beams across four different ports. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized brackets for each beam type, actually reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10294656B2Multiple port beam bracket

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 FOX HARDWOOD LUMBER CO LLC

AI summary

A connection device for supporting a plurality of beams comprising a plate, a first side support and a second side support, with each side support including a top portion extending from the plate in a first direction and a bottom portion extending from the plate in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. Included are a first guide and a second guide with each guide attaching to the plate and each side support. Each guide includes a top portion extending from the plate in the first direction and a bottom portion extending from the plate in the second direction. The plate, the top portion of each side support, and the top portion of each guide define a top cavity shaped to accept one of the beams. Further, the plate, the bottom portion of each side support, and the bottom portion of each guide define a bottom cavity shaped to accept one of the beams.