Steel Stud Framing System with Rotational Hinges for Corner Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current framing systems for light gage, cold formed steel stud framing do not effectively address the unique conditions at building corners, often resulting in distress, large visible joints, or the need for special materials to accommodate lateral movements, leading to potential member failures.
Innovation Solution
A framing system incorporating vertical, pivoting studs, horizontal header-struts, and pre-fabricated rotational hinges and clips that allow for controlled non-planar deformation at corners, enabling the use of typical cladding materials without large joints and minimizing distress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current framing systems are used at building corners, then assembly is straightforward, but distress and member failures occur due to inability to accommodate lateral movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic corner assemblies with rotational joints that allow the framing system to adapt to lateral building movements. The corner post can rotate relative to the header and stud, transforming the rigid corner connection into a flexible joint that accommodates drift without distress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the corner assembly by introducing adjustable connectors and rotational joints. This allows the corner configuration to change in response to building movement, enabling the system to maintain reliability under varying lateral displacement conditions.
2Reliability
If large joints are used to separate adjacent walls at building corners, then distress is avoided, but visible joints become extremely large (3-6 inches)
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using large static joints to prevent distress, the patent employs a dynamic corner assembly with rotational capability. This allows the corner to move with the building while maintaining continuous cladding coverage, eliminating the need for large visible joints while still avoiding distress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If special finish materials are used at building corners, then traction and contraction forces are accommodated, but typical cladding material cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic corner assembly with rotational joints accommodates traction and contraction forces through controlled movement rather than requiring special rigid materials. This allows typical cladding materials to be used continuously across the corner without interruption or special materials.
4Strength
If rigid corner connections are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but building movements cause extreme distress and member failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid corner connections with dynamic assemblies featuring rotational joints. These joints maintain structural integrity through controlled movement, allowing the corner to rotate and accommodate lateral building movements without causing distress or member failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational joint acts as an intermediary element between the header and stud at the corner. It mediates the transfer of forces while allowing relative movement, preventing the direct transmission of damaging stresses that would occur with rigid connections.
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 significantly reduces or eliminates distress at building corners, allows for smaller visible joints, and enables the use of standard cladding materials by accommodating building movements through controlled deformation, enhancing the overall performance of exterior enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
selectively placed pre-fabricated/pre-manufactured horizontal-plane rotational hinges in the top and bottom track, and pre-fabricated/pre-manufactured vertical-plane rotational stud clips
Implementation Method 2
The pivot clips secure the studs to the edge of floor and allow the studs to rotate freely as driven by story drift displacements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a framing system for resolving vertical and horizontal movements in light gage, cold formed, steel stud framing. It utilizes at least one corner hinge and a plurality of pivoting stud clips (one for each stud) that accommodate for the deflection of a building as it encounters environmental changes. Additional hinges may be placed axially, along the wall and at the top and bottom of the corner for increased flexibility. Two embodiments of stud pivot clips, one utilizing direct attachment and arcuate slots, the other utilizing a pivotable connection plate, are disclosed; as are two hinge embodiments.