Vertical Tie Assembly for Modular Columns Without Side Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting structural modules in high-rise building construction lack efficient and safe solutions for vertical interconnection, particularly affecting the stability and load-bearing capabilities of such structures.
Innovation Solution
A vertical tie system comprising a top tie assembly with a tool interface and a bottom tie assembly connected by an interconnect member, allowing for torque transfer within a load-bearing column, enabling secure engagement of modules without compromising structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional tie arrangements are used for vertical interconnection of structural modules, then the connection method is simple, but the stability and load-bearing capability are insufficient for high-rise buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The tie arrangement is divided into separate components: a top tie assembly with a tool interface, a bottom tie assembly, and an interconnect member. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance while achieving the required load-bearing capability through the coordinated action of these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool interface is positioned at the top of the column, allowing torque application from above in a vertical dimension. This eliminates the need for side openings and enables workers to access the interface from the module above, changing the operational dimension from horizontal to vertical.
2Ease of operation
If side openings are made in columns to access tie components, then the ties can be easily accessed and operated, but the load-bearing properties of the columns are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tool interface is repositioned from the side of the column to the top of the column. This dimensional change allows workers to access and operate the tie components from above using a torque tool, eliminating the need for side openings and preserving the column's load-bearing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect member serves as an intermediary that transmits torque from the top tie assembly to the bottom tie assembly. This allows the torque to be applied from above without requiring direct side access to the fastening components, maintaining column integrity while enabling operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fastening points are distributed around the column perimeter, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening points are integrated into a unified bottom tie assembly structure. The assembly includes a housing that contains multiple receivers and fasteners arranged around the column perimeter, combining multiple fastening functions into a single integrated component that maintains stability without increasing overall system complexity.
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 vertical tie system provides a strong, convenient, and safe method for connecting structural modules vertically, enhancing stability and load-bearing capacity, especially in high-rise buildings, by allowing torque application from above without affecting the column's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
application of torque to the tool interface and transfer of said torque by the interconnect member
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical tie is for a load-bearing column of a building off-site structural module with a box-section structural member. The tie has a top tie assembly for engagement by a torqueing tool from above the column. There is a bottom tie assembly, which fastens to the module below. Torque which is applied to the top tie assembly is transferred to the bottom tie assembly by an interconnect tube. The top and bottom tie assemblies are configured so that the bottom tie assembly is adapted to engage with a top tie assembly of an underneath module, in one case by a nut engaging a spindle protruding up from the lower module. This allows modules to be tied together in the vertical direction in a simple, convenient, and safe manner by an operator on-site working on top of the upper module. Access to torque the tie does not require any side opening in the column and so its load-bearing properties are not affected.