Low-Friction Stud Connector for Stick-Slip Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stud systems experience the stick/slip phenomenon due to direct contact between building elements, leading to unwanted noise and structural instability under environmental forces.

Innovation Solution

A stud system with a connector having a low static coefficient of friction between its second end and the second building element, allowing for relative movement and reducing the stick/slip phenomenon by enabling sliding motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If building elements are placed in direct contact to transfer loads, then structural strength is improved, but the stick/slip phenomenon occurs causing unwanted noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidunwanted noise
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate material layer between the first and second building elements. This intermediary material serves as a mediator that allows relative movement between the elements while transferring loads, thereby eliminating the stick/slip phenomenon and unwanted noise while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If intermediate material is applied to separate building elements, then the stick/slip phenomenon is reduced, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestick/slip phenomenonVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the intermediate material with either the first or second building element to form an integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of intermediate materials, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining the noise-reducing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If building elements are fixed rigidly to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate environmental forces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidability to accommodate movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic connection mechanism that allows controlled relative movement between building elements while maintaining overall structural stability. The intermediate material or integrated component enables the system to adapt to environmental forces dynamically while preserving stability through continuous load transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively mitigates unwanted noise and structural instability by permitting sliding motion, absorbing environmental forces, and maintaining stability.

Implementation Method 1

the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.47

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4686791A1Connector for stud system
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 SAINT GOBAIN PLACO SAS
  • EP4686791A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4686791A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4686791A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

According to the present invention, there is a stud system for a partition wall or ceiling, the stud system comprising: a first building element; a second building element; and a connector; wherein the connector comprises a first end fixed within the first building element, and a second end located within and in contact with the second building element, wherein the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.47. There is further provided a connector for use in the stud system.