Stud Bracket Assembly for Handrail Reinforcement Between Wall Studs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall structures lack a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for reinforcing handrails, as drywall alone is insufficient to support the loads exerted by humans, leading to potential detachment of handrails from the wall.

Innovation Solution

A stud bracket that attaches to studs, featuring a stud receiver and holders to securely fasten and support reinforcing members, allowing for easy installation and distribution of load between studs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drywall or interior boarding alone is used to support handrails, then the wall structure is simple and easy to construct, but the handrail may detach under human load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandrail support reliabilityVSAvoidwall structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the drywall for surface finish, studs for structural support, and separate bracket assemblies for handrail reinforcement. Each component performs its specific function independently, allowing the reinforcement system to be added without redesigning the entire wall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Metal bracket assemblies serve as intermediary elements between the stud framework and the handrail. These brackets transfer loads from the handrail to the studs, preventing direct attachment to drywall while maintaining structural integrity. The brackets act as mediators that connect different structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If reinforcing structures are adequately fixed to studs, then handrail support reliability is improved, but installation becomes tedious and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandrail support reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assemblies are designed to be pre-assembled units that can be attached to studs before the drywall installation process begins. This preliminary positioning allows workers to establish the reinforcement framework early in construction, avoiding the need to cut into finished drywall or perform complex retrofitting later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket design incorporates adjustable features that allow for dynamic adaptation during installation. The brackets can be positioned at various heights and angles to accommodate different handrail configurations and wall layouts, reducing installation time by eliminating the need for custom fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a reinforcing structure is built into the wall behind the handrail area, then handrail support reliability is improved, but the construction process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandrail support reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement system is segmented into modular bracket assemblies that can be manufactured independently and then installed as complete units. This segmentation allows for standardized production of brackets using simple forming processes, avoiding the need for complex on-site construction of reinforcement structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement for handrails, act as attachment points for drywall, and can be configured for different handrail types and locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components and simplifies the overall construction process.

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

Data Source

PatentUS7559519B1Stud bracket for supporting reinforcing members in a wall structure
Publication Date: 2009.07.14 THE STEEL NETWORK
  • US7559519B1 patent drawing
  • US7559519B1 patent drawing
  • US7559519B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A stud bracket is provided and adapted to be secured to a stud in a wall structure. The stud bracket includes a stud receiver having a pair of spaced apart members that define a stud receiving area. In use, a respective stud is inserted into the stud receiving area and the stud receiver is secured to the stud. Extending outwardly from the bracket, on each side, is a holder for receiving and holding an end portion of a reinforcing member. When a series of brackets are secured to a series of studs in a wall structure, a series of reinforcing members are provided in the wall structure with each reinforcing member being supported on one end portion by a holder associated with one bracket, and on the other end portion by another holder associated with another bracket. Hence, when used, the stud brackets support a series of reinforcing members that extend generally between pairs of respective studs of a wall structure.