Side-Lapped Joint Forming Tool for Structural Steel Decking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming side-lapped joints in structural steel decking are inefficient for quick inspection and may lead to construction delays, as they do not allow for easy and rapid verification of joint integrity from the top side.
Innovation Solution
A portable joining tool with a support, stationary and movable arms, and actuator-driven jaws that form sheared louvers and crimp the joints simultaneously, enabling quick and efficient formation of side-lapped joints with improved lateral resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional joining methods (welding, button-punching, sheet metal screws, riveting, mechanical deformation) are used to form side-lapped joints, then the joints can be formed with structural integrity, but the joints cannot be quickly and easily inspected from the top side of the decking
Solution Approach 1:
The joining tool inverts the conventional approach by forming the joint from the top side of the decking rather than from below. The tool engages the male and female lips through the top surface, allowing inspectors to verify joint formation directly from the accessible top side, thereby resolving the inspection accessibility problem while maintaining joint integrity
2Reliability
If conventional joining methods are used for side-lapped joints, then the joints can be formed, but construction delays occur due to inability to perform quick inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The joining tool enables self-verification of joint formation by creating joints that are inherently inspectable from the top side. The formed joint structure allows inspectors to immediately verify proper engagement without additional equipment or access from below, eliminating construction delays while ensuring reliable joint formation
3Strength
If side-lapped joints are formed to prevent lateral shifting, then membrane strength is increased, but the joints are difficult to inspect for consistency and integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool inverts the inspection approach by forming joints that expose critical engagement features on the top side of the decking. This allows inspectors to directly observe joint consistency and integrity from the accessible top surface, making detection and measurement straightforward while maintaining the lateral resistance needed for membrane strength
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 tool allows for rapid and reliable formation of side-lapped joints with enhanced shear resistance and membrane strength, facilitating quicker inspection and reducing construction delays by enabling easy access to the joints from the top side.
Implementation Method 1
a movable arm pivotally mounted on the stationary arm; the movable arm driveable from the stationary arm in a pivotable motion by an actuator coupled to the moveable arm
Implementation Method 2
Mechanical deformation of the metal forming such side-lapped joints
Data Source
AI summary
A joining tool is disclosed comprising a support; a stationary arm extending from the support at one end, the stationary arm comprising at the opposite end a first jaw; a movable arm pivotally mounted on the stationary arm; the movable arm driveable from the stationary arm in a pivotable motion by an actuator coupled to the moveable arm; and a second jaw coupled to the moveable arm, the moveable arm movable between an activated position in which the second jaw engages the first jaw and an initial position in which the second jaw is spaced from the first jaw.