Vertical Tie Assembly for Modular Building Column Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-rise building construction requires enhanced interconnection methods for structural modules to ensure stability and safety, particularly in vertical direction, without compromising the load-bearing properties of columns.
Innovation Solution
A vertical tie system using a top and bottom tie assembly with an interconnect tube, allowing for torque transfer from a tool to securely engage modules in the vertical direction without affecting the structural integrity of load-bearing columns, utilizing a spindle and nut mechanism for strong and stable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tie arrangements are used to connect modules to the core, then modules can be secured to the core, but the load-bearing properties of columns may be compromised and the connection process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tie arrangement is segmented into a top tie assembly and a bottom tie assembly that can be independently positioned and secured. The top tie assembly is positioned in the upper module while the bottom tie assembly is positioned in the lower module, allowing separate installation and simplifying the overall connection process while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
An interconnect tube serves as an intermediary element that physically connects the top tie assembly in the upper module with the bottom tie assembly in the lower module. This intermediary component transfers torque and mechanical forces between the two assemblies, enabling secure vertical connection without compromising column load-bearing properties.
2Strength
If torque is applied to fasten ties, then strong vertical connections are achieved, but access to apply torque becomes difficult without side openings in columns
Solution Approach 1:
The torque application interface is moved from a horizontal side-access configuration to a vertical top-down configuration. The torque tool interface is positioned on the top tie assembly, allowing workers to apply torque from above the module rather than accessing the column from the side, thus maintaining connection strength while improving operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect tube acts as a torque transmission intermediary, allowing torque applied at the top tie assembly to be transmitted down to the bottom tie assembly. This enables strong vertical connections to be achieved through accessible top-down torque application without requiring side openings in the columns.
3Stability of the object's composition
If modules are tied together in vertical direction, then high-rise building stability is improved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The top tie assembly is pre-positioned in the upper module during module manufacturing, and the bottom tie assembly is pre-positioned in the lower module. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment operations, allowing rapid vertical connection when modules are stacked, thus improving assembly productivity while maintaining high-rise building stability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the tie arrangement into independently positionable top and bottom assemblies, the connection process is simplified and standardized. Each assembly can be independently installed and connected through the interconnect tube, reducing overall connection time and complexity while ensuring stable vertical connections for high-rise buildings.
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
Facilitates simple, safe, and strong vertical and horizontal connections, enhancing the stability and load-bearing capacity of high-rise building modules, particularly in the event of disproportionate collapse, with effective torque transfer maintaining column integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Torque which is applied to the top tie assembly is transferred to the bottom tie assembly by an interconnect tube
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A vertical tie is for a load-bearing column (4) of a building off-site structural module (1) with a box-section structural member (30). The tie has a top tie assembly (35) for engagement by a torqueing tool (70) from above the column. There is a bottom tie assembly (36), which fastens to the module below. Torque which is applied to the top tie assembly (35) is transferred to the bottom tie assembly by an interconnect tube (33). The top and bottom tie assemblies are configured so that the bottom tie assembly (36) is adapted to engage with a top tie assembly (35) 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.