Seismic Restraint Assembly for Topple and Migration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing securement systems for furniture and office equipment during seismic events fail to effectively prevent toppling and migration, posing a risk of injury and damage due to rotational and lateral movements during earthquakes.

Innovation Solution

A restraint system featuring a base connected to objects using adhesives or fasteners, with a substantially rigid connecting member engaged through slots in the base, and a flexible strap secured to a fixed structure, enhancing resistance to rotational and lateral movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a flexible strap alone is used to secure objects, then installation is simple, but resistance to rotational movement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to rotational movementVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securement system is divided into distinct functional components: a rigid connecting member that resists rotation, a flexible strap that prevents lateral migration, and a base for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in addressing specific movement types, achieving comprehensive securement while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines rigid and flexible elements in a composite structure. The rigid connecting member provides rotational stability while the flexible strap material allows for easy installation and accommodates floor movements without compromising the overall securement effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If adhesive connection is used to attach base to object, then installation is simple and non-invasive, but connection strength may be insufficient for very heavy objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed with multiple attachment method options (adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or other connectors) built into its structure. This multi-functionality allows the same base component to be installed using different methods depending on the specific application requirements, maintaining ease of installation while adapting to varying strength needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connecting member is made completely rigid, then rotational stability is improved, but the system cannot accommodate floor surface movements during seismic events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidaccommodation of floor movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a dynamic configuration where the rigid connecting member maintains rotational stability while the flexible strap component dynamically adapts to floor movements. This dynamic design allows the system to maintain structural integrity during rotation while accommodating the dynamic nature of seismic floor movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12435833B2Seismic securement system

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 ESSRIG MICHAEL

AI summary

A restraint system is provided for objects to be restrained during seismic events or impacts to the object. The system includes a base which is engaged to the object. A strap extending from a connecting member which is engaged to the base extends to a second end which is in a fixed mount with a wall or other surface. A locking member is engageable with the base to hold the connecting member in an engaged position.