Structural Clamp Attachment for Hole-Free Seismic Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seismic supporting systems for non-structural components in buildings often require drilling multiple holes into structural components, compromising their strength and integrity.

Innovation Solution

The development of attachment devices that secure non-structural components to structural elements like I-joists with minimal or no holes, using clamping, frictional, and biting engagement methods to maintain structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple holes are drilled into structural components to attach seismic supporting systems, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the structural strength and integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is segmented into multiple functional components: a plate member for distributing attachment forces, a clamping mechanism for gripping the structural component, and a biting engagement system for secure attachment. This segmentation allows the device to achieve reliable attachment through distributed mechanical engagement rather than concentrated hole drilling, thereby maintaining structural integrity while ensuring secure mounting of seismic supporting systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device acts as an intermediary between the seismic supporting system and the structural component. Instead of directly drilling holes into the structural component, the device uses a plate member and clamping/biting mechanisms as intermediate elements to transfer and distribute attachment forces, thereby achieving reliable connection without compromising the structural strength of the host component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple holes are drilled into structural components, then the ease of manufacture of the attachment system is improved, but the structural integrity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device divides the attachment function into separate components (plate member, clamping mechanism, biting elements) that can be manufactured independently and assembled without requiring multiple holes in the structural component. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while preserving structural integrity by eliminating the need for extensive drilling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If clamping and frictional engagement methods are used to attach devices, then the structural integrity is preserved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device merges multiple engagement mechanisms (clamping, frictional engagement, and biting) into a single integrated system. The plate member and clamping mechanism work together to distribute forces and maintain structural integrity, while the combined action of these mechanisms achieves secure attachment without requiring complex separate components or multiple attachment points, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

These devices ensure secure attachment of non-structural components without damaging the structural components, preserving their strength and allowing for efficient installation on various sizes and shapes.

Implementation Method 1

the attachment devices being configured for attachment to the structural component through one of a clamping, frictional, and biting engagement such that no holes are formed through the structural component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectClamping: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiting engagement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12449090B2Attachment device for clamping to a structural component

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

An attachment device for attaching to a structural component of a building to couple a fitting to the structural component.