Seismic Expansion Joint Cover Panel With Hinged Slide Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade support systems fail to adequately address seismic displacements, which can cause damage due to the inability to accommodate translational and pivotal movements during earthquakes and other disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A seismic expansion joint cover assembly that includes a cover panel with a hinge connector, slide supports, and a spring assembly, allowing for both translational and pivotal movement, and featuring a wedge-shaped lift component and stop member to manage panel movement and prevent excessive pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid facade support system is used, then structural stability is maintained under normal conditions, but the system cannot accommodate seismic displacements and causes damage during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic mechanism that allows controlled movement. The slide support enables translational motion along the track, while the hinge connector permits pivotal movement, allowing the facade to adapt to seismic displacements without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between facade and building is divided into multiple functional components: a hinge connector for pivotal movement, a slide support for translational movement, and a spring assembly for energy absorption. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of seismic response independently.
2Reliability
If the facade is allowed to move freely during seismic events, then damage from building oscillation is minimized, but uncontrolled movement may cause contact with adjacent panels
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is pre-configured to engage when the panel reaches the end of its travel path. This cushioning mechanism absorbs kinetic energy and prevents the panel from striking adjacent fixed panels, protecting both the moving panel and its neighbors from impact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly acts as an intermediary between the moving panel and the fixed structure. It mediates the interaction by providing a compliant interface that allows controlled movement while preventing excessive displacement that would cause panel contact.
3Reliability
If a complex movement mechanism is implemented to handle all displacement types, then comprehensive seismic protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple movement capabilities are merged into a compact integrated assembly. The hinge connector and slide support work together as a unified mechanism that provides both pivotal and translational movement within a single support structure, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the hinge connector enables pivotal movement, the slide support enables translational movement, and the spring assembly provides energy absorption. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive seismic protection without requiring separate systems for each movement type.
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 system effectively minimizes damage from seismic disturbances by allowing the facade to move in sync with the building, preventing contact with adjacent panels and maintaining structural integrity during earthquakes and high winds.
Implementation Method 1
The spring assembly includes a spring plate and one or more springs integral with said spring plate
Implementation Method 2
The spring assembly stretches to prevent the panel from excessive pivoting
Implementation Method 3
The slide support further includes a wedge-shaped lift component having a sloped incline that may be along a straight or curved line
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic expansion joint cover assembly installed at an expansion gap between a first structural member on one side of a gap and a second member on the opposite side of the gap includes a cover panel bridging the gap having at least one hinged connector joining one edge of the cover panel to the first structural component to allow movement about an axis. The assembly includes at least one slide support which attaches to the second member, including an attachment flange, a track extending from the flange, and a lift component located on the track to lift the cover panel. A spring assembly attaches to the cover panel and engages the track and includes a spring plate with one or more springs attached thereto, a guide component attached to the spring plate and a saddle component having a grove to receive the guide component.