Raised Floor Shear Wall Attachment Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pre-fabricated shear walls are limited to slab-on-grade applications due to interference with flooring structures in non-slab-on-grade constructions, preventing effective transfer of shear loads into the foundation.
Innovation Solution
A raised floor assembly using an engineered wood material block with machined grooves for connecting rods, transfer plates for alignment and load transfer, and spacers to facilitate attachment of pre-fabricated shear walls to anchor bolts, allowing shear force transfer without disrupting joist spacing or floor integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-fabricated shear walls are used in non-slab-on-grade applications, then shear load transfer to foundation is enabled, but flooring structures (joists and sheathing) interfere with attachment to the foundation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment assembly that includes a mounting block, connecting rod, and anchor bolt system. This intermediary mechanism allows the shear wall to be attached to the foundation through the flooring structure without direct interference, effectively mediating between the shear wall and foundation while accommodating the presence of joists and sheathing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the interference issue by moving the attachment point to a different spatial dimension - specifically, attaching the shear wall to the foundation at a location above the flooring structure level. The connecting rod extends vertically through the flooring structure to anchor into the foundation, thereby eliminating horizontal interference from joists and sheathing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard pre-fabricated shear wall assemblies are used, then shear force transfer is achieved in slab-on-grade applications, but they cannot be used in non-slab-on-grade applications with flooring structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal attachment assembly that can function in both slab-on-grade and non-slab-on-grade applications. The mounting block and connecting rod system is designed to accommodate different foundation configurations and flooring structures, making the same basic assembly versatile enough for multiple application types while maintaining reliable shear load transfer in each.
3Adaptability or versatility
If attempts are made to build kits allowing pre-fabricated shear walls to be used in non-slab-on-grade applications, then application versatility is improved, but the kits prove to be either ineffective or overly cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into distinct, modular segments: a mounting block attached to the shear wall, a connecting rod, and an anchor bolt system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall kit while maintaining effectiveness. The modular design avoids the cumbersome complexity of integrated solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a raised floor assembly efficiently connecting a pre-fabricated shear wall to a foundation in applications other than slab-on-grade. The raised floor assembly includes an engineered wood material block machined to accept a connecting rod therethrough. The raised floor assembly also includes a connecting rod that is configured to attach at one end to a pre-fabricated shear wall and is coupled at the other end to an anchor bolt. Additionally, a transfer plate may be positioned between the pre-fabricated shear wall and the top of the engineered wood material block. The transfer plate provides a bearing surface for the pre-fabricated shear wall and helps maintain connecting rod alignment. A transfer plate may also be provided underneath the engineered wood material block and above the foundation. Additionally, a variety of spacers may be provided between the bottom of the engineered wood material block and the foundation.