Composite Wall Bracket Splice for Alignment Under Cantilever Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of composite wall brackets, which are often cantilevered and subject to rotational and pulling forces due to misalignment with support members, poses challenges in maintaining alignment and stability, particularly when traditional fastening methods are limited by building codes.
Innovation Solution
A splice apparatus is used to maintain substantial alignment of composite wall brackets by coupling to their perimeter or sliding onto their members, utilizing various shapes and configurations to bridge gaps and secure them without additional space, often using a single fastener for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal support members are used with composite wall brackets, then the support structure can be established, but misalignment and cantilevered sections occur due to differing expansion rates
Solution Approach 1:
The splice apparatus serves as an intermediary component between adjacent wall brackets, providing a connecting structure that maintains alignment and reduces cantilevered stress. The splice apparatus includes features such as alignment pins, fastening holes, and structural members that bridge the gap between brackets and support members, preventing misalignment caused by differential thermal expansion between composite brackets and metal support members.
2Ease of operation
If wall brackets are installed with non-aligning support members, then installation can proceed, but rotational and pulling forces cause detachment of attached materials
Solution Approach 1:
The splice apparatus is pre-configured with alignment features, fastening holes, and structural geometry that preliminarily establish proper alignment and load distribution before final installation. The apparatus includes pre-formed connection points and alignment references that guide the installation process, ensuring that brackets are properly positioned and secured to prevent detachment of attached materials while maintaining installation simplicity.
3Strength
If composite wall brackets are used instead of traditional metal brackets, then corrosion resistance and weight reduction are achieved, but differing expansion rates with metal components cause misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The splice apparatus is designed to accommodate and compensate for the dimensional changes in composite wall brackets due to thermal expansion and contraction. The apparatus includes flexible connection features, adjustment mechanisms, and geometric configurations that adapt to the different expansion characteristics of composite materials compared to metal support members, maintaining alignment stability while preserving the corrosion resistance and weight advantages of composite brackets.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and splice apparatus comprise a first wall bracket to couple to a first support member. A second wall bracket is coupled to a second support member, the first and second wall brackets comprising a composite material. A splice apparatus includes a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side on an opposite side of the splice apparatus from the first side of the splice apparatus, the first end of the splice apparatus disposed proximate to a second end of the first wall bracket and the second end of the splice apparatus disposed proximate to a first end of the second wall bracket. The splice apparatus is fastened to at least one of the first wall bracket and the second wall bracket to maintain substantial alignment of the first wall bracket with the second wall bracket.