Seismic Cable Bracket Geometry for Stackable Multi-Directional Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic cable sway bracing brackets suffer from deformation issues and cause wear on bracing cables, especially when stacked, leading to interference with cable connections.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design with a planar base and angled arms, featuring rounded edges and apertures to prevent deformation and wear, allowing for stacked configurations without blocking cable apertures, using materials like stainless steel and coatings for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional brackets are stacked to provide multi-directional bracing, then bracing capability in multiple directions is improved, but the stacked brackets interfere with the connection between bracing cables and lower brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design incorporates three-dimensional spatial arrangement with arms extending in multiple directions from a central body. The arms are positioned at specific angles (e.g., 90 degrees) to each other, creating a multi-directional bracing capability while maintaining clearance for cable connections through strategic positioning in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design allows stacked brackets to be nested or offset relative to each other, with the upper bracket positioned such that its arms do not block the cable connection apertures of the lower bracket. This nesting arrangement enables multi-directional bracing while preserving cable access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional brackets are used in stacked configurations, then multi-directional stabilization is improved, but the brackets suffer from deformation issues under certain loads
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates curved or rounded arm configurations instead of sharp angles, and rounded cable contact surfaces. This curvature distributes stress more evenly throughout the bracket structure, preventing deformation under load while maintaining multi-directional bracing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is constructed from high-strength materials such as stainless steel or aluminum alloys, which provide the necessary structural integrity and resistance to deformation. The material selection ensures that the bracket maintains its shape and strength when stacked and subjected to seismic loads.
3Ease of operation
If conventional brackets are used to attach bracing cables, then cable support is provided, but the brackets cause wear or abrasion to the bracing cables
Solution Approach 1:
The cable contact surfaces of the bracket arms are rounded or curved rather than sharp or angular. This curvature creates a larger contact area and distributes the abrasion force, significantly reducing wear on the bracing cables while maintaining effective cable attachment and support.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple brackets are stacked for two-directional bracing, then bracing coverage is improved, but the complexity of the bracket system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design is universal and can be used for both one-directional and two-directional bracing applications. A single bracket type with multi-directional arms can accommodate different bracing configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bracket designs and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A bracket for use in a seismic cable sway bracing system to attach a bracing cable to a support structure or to an object to be braced is disclosed. The bracket includes a planar base having a base aperture therethrough, and at least one planar arm integrally formed with and extending from the planar base. The at least one planar arm being angled upwardly relative to the planar base and having an arm aperture therethrough. The bracket is configured so that a ratio of a first distance to a second distance is about 1:1.2 or greater, the first distance being defined from a center of the base aperture to an edge of the planar base opposite the at least one planar arm in a pre-angled arrangement, and the second distance being defined from the center of the base aperture to a center of the arm aperture in the pre-angled arrangement.