Triangular Stud Shaft Wall Fastener Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaft wall assemblies with C-H studs require liner panels, which are difficult to produce and transport, and have size and gauge limitations, necessitating a construction method that does not rely on these panels.
Innovation Solution
The use of triangular studs with a triangular cross-section, allowing fasteners to be secured within the stud's void space, eliminating the need for liner panels and enabling the studs to fit within standard runners, with optional notches and lifting elements for placement and self-centering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional C-H studs are used with liner panels, then shaft wall assemblies can be constructed, but the liner panels are difficult to produce and transport and have size and gauge limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the liner panel component entirely from the shaft wall assembly. Instead of using traditional C-H studs that require liner panels to cover the exposed stud ends, the invention uses triangular studs where the fasteners are concealed within the triangular geometry itself, eliminating the need for separate liner panels and their associated manufacturing and transportation complexities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the stud geometry itself (triangular cross-section) provide the fastener concealment function that was previously achieved through separate liner panels. Rather than adding a liner panel to cover stud ends, the triangular stud design inherently conceals fasteners within its void space, reversing the traditional solution sequence
2Ease of manufacture
If fasteners penetrate through the shaft wall assembly, then gypsum board can be attached, but fastener penetration is not permitted according to fire safety standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the triangular cross-section of the studs to create a three-dimensional void space that accommodates fastener heads and shafts without requiring penetration through the gypsum board layers. The triangular geometry provides internal volume that allows fasteners to be embedded within the stud structure itself, maintaining fire safety by preventing fastener exposure on the shaft side while still enabling secure attachment of gypsum board
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional studs are used, then shaft wall assemblies can be constructed, but liner panels are required which are difficult to produce and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the stud and the liner panel into a single integrated component. The triangular stud design combines the structural support function with the fastener concealment function that was previously separated into distinct components (C-H stud and liner panel). This integration eliminates the need for separate liner panels, simplifying both production and transportation while maintaining the ability to construct shaft wall assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft wall assembly system including triangular shaped steel studs with one or more layers of wall board secured to one side of the triangular shaped steel studs. The triangular steel studs preferably rest in a notched floor runner and a notched ceiling runner. The one or more layers of wall board are then directly attached to a flat side of the triangular stud with properly sized steel screws. This system will be useful as a shaft wall system or in locations where attachment of wall board to both sides of a wall system is not feasible.