Self-Supporting Equipped Wall Structure for Seismic Partition Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipped walls anchored to non-seismically resistant partition walls become unstable during earthquakes, posing a safety risk due to potential overturning and inability to protect against falling debris, and they do not effectively transfer anti-overturning properties to the partition walls.

Innovation Solution

A self-supporting equipped wall system with steel uprights and crossbeams, incorporating elastomeric pads and adjustable connections, provides intrinsic anti-overturning properties and creates a life-saving shelter by preventing partition walls from tipping over and shielding against falling objects, while allowing modular assembly and integration of functional accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If equipped walls are anchored to non-seismically resistant partition walls, then the equipped walls can be easily installed and supported, but they become unstable during earthquakes and cannot prevent overturning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidseismic stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The equipped wall system is divided into modular components (uprights, crossbeams, panels) that can be independently assembled and connected through standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows the wall to maintain structural integrity through modular connections rather than relying on anchoring to potentially unstable partition walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate connection elements and distribution beams that act as mediators between the equipped wall and the partition wall. These intermediaries distribute seismic forces and prevent direct stress transmission that would cause overturning, while still allowing easy installation through standardized connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If equipped walls are anchored to partition walls to provide support, then installation is simplified, but the walls cannot transfer anti-overturning properties to the partition walls and become dangerous during seismic events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidsafety risk from overturning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The equipped wall design incorporates preliminary anti-overturning measures through its self-contained structural frame and base connections. The wall is designed to resist overturning forces independently before seismic events occur, eliminating the need to rely on partition wall stability and preventing the creation of safety hazards during earthquakes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If self-supporting equipped walls are used without partition wall connection, then they maintain structural independence and stability, but they cannot transfer anti-overturning properties and may not provide adequate protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidprotection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The equipped wall system is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it provides structural support, seismic resistance, and protective shielding simultaneously. The universal design allows the wall to function independently as a self-supporting structure while also offering protection against falling debris through its robust frame and panel configuration, eliminating the need to choose between stability and protection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If traditional equipped walls are anchored to partition walls, then they can be installed quickly, but they lack intrinsic anti-overturning properties and depend on partition wall strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidanti-overturning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The equipped wall system is designed to be self-supporting with intrinsic anti-overturning properties built into its structural frame and base connections. The wall serves itself by maintaining stability through its own structural configuration rather than relying on external partition walls, while still allowing quick installation through modular assembly and standardized connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 equipped wall system effectively prevents partition walls from overturning and shields against falling debris, ensuring safety by maintaining structural integrity and functionality during seismic events without transferring loads to the partition walls, and enabling easy assembly and customization.

Implementation Method 1

Said mobile plate 5 together with the elastomeric element 4 interposed, allows both to recover any misalignments with the interfaces plate / ceiling or plate / floor and to be able to apply a preload both with the surfaces of the ceiling and the floor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Said movable plate 5 together with the elastomeric element 4 interposed, allows both to recover any misalignments with the interfaces plate / ceiling or plate / floor and to be able to apply a preload both with the surfaces of the ceiling and the floor thanks to the screw adjustment system of said movable plate 5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

due to the effect of the improved adhesion between the elastomer 4 and the contact surface, being more effective in counteracting mutual slip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4194645B1Support system for partition walls
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 VASTARREDO IND SRL
  • EP4194645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4194645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4194645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention describes an equipped wall capable of ensure the life-saving function during an earthquake against anyone in its proximity. All that happens thanks to the structural shelter placed at its top which protects against falling bodies from damage to the floors. In addition, the equipped wall, during an earthquake, is able to contribute to the anti-rollover of the masonry partition walls against which the equipped wall is leaned.