Pinned Base Connection for Structural Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structural integrity of framed constructions is compromised by shear stresses from natural phenomena like seismic activity and high winds, leading to excessive loads on columns and potential failure due to rigid affixation to foundations.
Innovation Solution
A pinned connection system allowing a structural member to rotate 360° relative to the foundation, transferring axial loads while preventing moment forces from being transmitted between the structural member and the foundation, thereby reducing damage and failure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If columns are rigidly affixed to the foundation, then structural stability is improved, but excessive loads are generated on columns and foundation leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid affixation with a pinned connection that allows rotation. The pinned connection includes a pivot block that can rotate about a first axis and a column support plate that can rotate about a second axis, enabling the structural member to dynamically adjust its orientation relative to the foundation during lateral loading events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotational freedom parameter from zero (rigid connection) to two degrees of freedom (pinned connection). This parameter change allows the structural member to orbit 360° about a home axis, transforming the connection from a fixed rigid state to a dynamically adjustable state that prevents excessive load accumulation.
2Force
If columns are rigidly affixed to the foundation, then lateral resistance is improved, but moment forces are excessively transferred to columns causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the foundation and the structural member. The pinned connection serves as this intermediary, allowing lateral forces to be resisted while preventing moment forces from being directly transferred. The pivot block and column support plate act as mediators that decouple the moment force transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation capability of the pinned connection allows the structural member to adapt its orientation relative to the foundation during lateral loading. This dynamic adjustment prevents rigid moment force transfer while maintaining lateral resistance through the controlled rotation of the connection components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If structural members are allowed to rotate 360° relative to foundation, then moment force transmission is prevented, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pinned connection into distinct functional components: a baseplate for foundation attachment, a pivot block for first-axis rotation, and a column support plate for second-axis rotation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving the 360° orbiting capability without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinned connection design provides multi-functionality by simultaneously achieving several objectives: allowing 360° rotation to prevent moment force transfer, maintaining lateral resistance, and providing a standardized connection interface. This universal design approach reduces complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single connection system.
Data Source
AI summary
A pinned base connector affixing a structural member to a foundation at one or more levels of a construction. The pinned base connector includes a baseplate affixed to the foundation. A column support plate is affixed to the baseplate via a pivot block. The pivot block is affixed to the baseplate to allow rotation of the pivot block relative to the baseplate about a first axis. The column support plate is affixed to the pivot block to allow rotation of the column support plate relative to the pivot block about a second axis orthogonal to the first. A column or other structural member may then be affixed to a surface of the column support plate.