Structural Connector With Dual Tension Rods for Sagging Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor joist bracing systems fail to provide sufficient tension force to lift sagging floors to their original horizontal position, leading to bouncy and squeaky floors, and are costly and complex to install.
Innovation Solution
A structural connector comprising load-bearing mounting brackets and an adjustable tensioning bolt with dual tension rods, designed to provide high-capacity tension force between joists, lifting and holding sagging floors in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional wood cross bridging is used to brace floor joists, then joist alignment is prevented, but structural integrity is lost over time due to wood warping from moisture and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable but moisture-vulnerable wood with steel components that are inherently resistant to moisture and heat-induced warping. The steel cross-bracing system maintains structural integrity over time while preventing joist alignment issues, eliminating the need for periodic replacement or maintenance of the bracing components.
2Reliability
If conventional steel bracing systems are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but design complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steel bracing system into modular components including adjustable-length cross-braces, mounting brackets, and connection elements. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing, easier installation, and adaptability to different floor configurations while maintaining the structural integrity benefits of steel bracing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional floor joist bracing systems are used, then joist alignment is maintained, but tension force capacity is insufficient to lift sagging floors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable-length steel cross-braces that can be modified to change their tension force capacity. By adjusting the length and structural properties of the cross-braces, the system can generate sufficient tension force to lift sagging floors while maintaining joist alignment, overcoming the limitations of conventional fixed-design bracing systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional bracing systems are installed on existing sagging floors, then joist alignment is prevented from worsening, but floor deflection is not eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary correction of sagging floors by installing adjustable steel cross-braces that can be tuned to apply the necessary tension force before the deflection problem worsens. The system can lift and hold sagging floors in their original horizontal position, preventing future deflection and eliminating bounce issues rather than merely preventing alignment deterioration.
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 connector effectively reduces floor deflection and bounce by providing a high-capacity tension force, lifting sagging floors to their original levelness and stiffness, while being cost-effective and easy to install.
Implementation Method 1
A structural connector for tensioning adjacent joists and beams... provides a high-capacity tension force between joists... lifting and holding a sagging floor to its original levelness
Data Source
AI summary
A structural connector having a tensioning bolt constructed and arranged for receiving two tension rods, each tension rod being axially adjustable within the tensioning bolt. Each tension rods has ends, with one end being rounded and the other end having an external hex drive profile. The two rods are arranged so the rounded ends are opposite each other. The structural connector is used to provide tension between two adjacent joists and the rounded end of each tension rod is received by a round hole of a pair of mounting brackets attached to the adjacent joists. Each tension rod is locked into a set tensioned position by a threaded nut.