Notched Moment Frame Connector Resolving Bolt Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting beams to columns in construction, such as welding, bolting, or adhesive bonding, often fail to withstand high winds and lateral loads, leading to joint failure and compromised structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A high-strength moment frame connector system using standard-sized beams and columns, featuring a shear tab and pair of T-shaped connectors (T-plates) with notched vertical sections to accommodate larger bolts and shear tabs without interfering with the space used for the shear tab.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the size of T-shaped connectors and shear tabs is increased to resist high winds and lateral loads, then the strength and stiffness of the connection is improved, but the available space between beam flanges is insufficient to accommodate larger connectors without interfering with the shear tab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidavailable space between beam flanges

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The T-shaped connector is segmented into two separate components: a vertical plate that attaches to the column and a horizontal plate that attaches to the beam flange. This segmentation allows the horizontal plate to be positioned outside the beam depth, eliminating interference with the shear tab while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The horizontal plate of the T-shaped connector extends beyond the beam depth in the lateral dimension, utilizing space that would otherwise be unused. This dimensional extension allows larger connector sizes without interfering with the shear tab attachment space between the beam flanges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If welding is used to provide strong connections, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of operation and construction time deteriorate due to additional equipment and labor costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidease of construction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical bolted connection system. The T-shaped connectors and shear tabs are attached using high-strength bolts, eliminating the need for welding equipment and operations while maintaining structural integrity through properly engineered bolted joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250116105A1Notched moment frame connector system

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 SIMPSON STRONG TIE

AI summary

A high strength moment frame connector system is used to connect beams and columns. The moment frame connector system includes a shear tab connected between the column and beam, and a pair of T-shaped connectors connected between the column and beam. Each T-shaped connector includes a first section affixed to the column and a second section affixed to upper and lower flanges of the beam. The first section includes a notch to prevent interference between the T-shaped connector, the shear tab and/or bolted connections for those components.