Partition Bracket Assembly Seismic Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket assemblies for connecting non-structural building components, such as partition walls and ceiling grids, to overhead structural components fail to adequately accommodate vertical deflection while resisting lateral forces, leading to potential disconnection and instability during seismic or wind events.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bracket assembly featuring a shaft and sleeve that are slidable relative to each other, with vertical biasing means to maintain a neutral position and accommodate vertical movement, and a truncated V-shaped profile with angled wing portions for connecting to the overhead structure, allowing for both vertical and lateral stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed bracket assembly is used to connect non-structural components to overhead structure, then lateral stability is achieved, but vertical deflection accommodation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates a telescopic mechanism with a shaft and collar that allows dynamic adjustment between fixed and movable states. The collar can slide along the shaft to accommodate vertical deflection while maintaining lateral stability through its geometric configuration and connection to the overhead structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is divided into separate components including a shaft, collar, and connection elements. This segmentation allows the collar to move independently along the shaft to absorb vertical movement while the overall assembly maintains lateral stability through the rigid connection geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic bracket allowing vertical movement is used, then vertical deflection accommodation is achieved, but lateral stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with an asymmetric truncated V-shape geometry where the geometry provides different constraints in different directions. The asymmetric design allows vertical sliding movement while the geometric configuration inherently resists lateral displacement, achieving both vertical flexibility and lateral stability simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extraneous components like deflection tracks are added to accommodate vertical movement, then vertical deflection accommodation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical deflection accommodation function is merged into the bracket assembly itself through the integrated telescopic shaft and collar mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate extraneous components like deflection tracks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the vertical movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides lateral bracing, vertical deflection accommodation, and structural connection. The single integrated design replaces multiple separate components, simplifying both design and installation processes.
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 sturdy and cost-effective connection that allows for vertical deflection while maintaining lateral stability, simplifying installation and reducing the need for extraneous components, thus enhancing the structural integrity and safety of non-structural components during high-force events.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket assembly comprises a shaft (102); a bracket (110); a spring (130) configured to, in use, maintain the bracket in a neutral position along the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly for connecting the head track (282) of a partition wall (280) to an overhead structural component (298) of the building has a shaft (102) connected at right angles to a base plate (106), which in turn is connectable to the head track (282) so that the shaft extends substantially vertically upwards. A pair of upwardly extending wings (118) and an apertured intermediate portion (116) allowing the bracket to be slidingly disposed about the shaft. The wings (118) are connectable to arm portions (288), which in turn are connectable to linking flanges (292), connectable to the overhead structure 298. Springs (130, 132) bias the bracket towards a neutral position. The bracket (110) is retained on the shaft by an upper stop (108) and the base plate 106. Apertured stabilising means (122,124) disposed about the bracket (110) form a collar that guides and stabilises the bracket (110) as it slides relative to the shaft (102) during seismic activities.