Partition Top Anchor Resisting Lateral Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anchoring systems for building structures fail to effectively resist high lateral forces, such as those from hurricanes and earthquakes, due to weak connections at the juncture of horizontal and vertical components, leading to structural separation and damage.
Innovation Solution
A high-strength partition top anchor system featuring a slip tube embedded in the wall with a rod member and a key member integrated into a dovetail structure, fully set within a keyway channel in the overlying deck, redirecting lateral forces away from the weld point and onto a high-strength steel rod, allowing vertical adjustment and resisting movement along the z-axis while allowing limited movement along the x-axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If current anchoring systems are used to connect horizontal and vertical structural components, then the structure can be assembled with standard connections, but the connection strength is insufficient to resist high lateral forces from hurricanes and earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into distinct functional segments: a key member with dovetail configuration for insertion into the keyway channel, a rod member for tensile load resistance, and a transition portion for force redistribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resulting in superior overall connection strength compared to unified traditional anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system combines multiple material properties and structural configurations: the dovetail key member provides mechanical interlocking, the high-strength steel rod provides tensile resistance, and the transition portion provides flexible force redistribution. This composite approach creates a connection system that can withstand both vertical and lateral loads effectively.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional welded connections are used at the juncture of horizontal and vertical components, then the assembly process is simplified, but the weld points become weak links that fail under high lateral loads
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable weld connection is extracted from the critical load path. The transition portion is designed to redirect lateral forces away from the weld point between the key member and rod member, isolating the weld from high-stress conditions while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition portion acts as an intermediary element between the key member and rod member, serving as a force redistribution zone that protects the weld connection from direct exposure to high lateral loads while maintaining the structural integrity of the assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixed connections are used between wall and overlying structure, then structural stability is maintained under normal conditions, but the structure cannot accommodate lateral deflection during high-wind or seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adaptive connection. The transition portion enables the anchor to adjust its mechanical behavior based on loading conditions: maintaining rigid stability under normal conditions while allowing controlled lateral deflection and rotation during high-wind or seismic events, thereby protecting the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-strength partition top anchor and anchoring system is disclosed. The high-strength partition top anchor is a dynamic anchor that provides resistance to wall and deck separation during periods of high lateral forces. The partition top anchor is set within a slip tube embedded within the upper most portion of a partition or masonry wall and interconnected with a channel affixed to an overlying slab or deck structure.