Wall-Ceiling Slip Joint for Seismic Sway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular wall systems in seismic areas face challenges in adhering to seismic codes while maintaining sound and light attenuation without penetrating the ceiling, which compromises their effectiveness due to the need for expensive and time-consuming kicker braces.
Innovation Solution
A modular wall system that uses wall extensions with sound and light attenuating materials, secured to the ceiling without fasteners, utilizing a guide and spacer system to adjust the height and ensure secure attachment, allowing the wall panel to sway during seismic events without compromising the ceiling's ability to move.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wall panels are attached directly to the suspended ceiling using fasteners, then the wall panels can be securely mounted, but the seal between the ceiling and wall panel becomes susceptible to sound and light transference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wall extensions as intermediary elements between the wall panel and ceiling. These extensions create a gap that allows sound and light attenuation materials to be inserted, thereby mediating the interaction between the wall panel and ceiling while maintaining attachment security and reducing harmful transference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining wall extensions with sound and light attenuation materials. This composite approach allows the wall system to simultaneously achieve structural attachment and acoustic/optical insulation without requiring direct fastening through the ceiling.
2Reliability
If kicker braces are installed above the ceiling to support walls during seismic events, then the wall panels can withstand seismic impact, but the installation becomes expensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the seismic support function from the ceiling structure and relocates it to the wall extensions. The wall extensions are designed to engage with the ceiling in a way that permits seismic movement while maintaining wall stability, eliminating the need for separate kicker braces.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall extensions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support during seismic events, create gaps for attenuation materials, and enable adjustable height positioning. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated seismic braces, reducing installation complexity.
3Ease of operation
If kicker braces penetrate the suspended ceiling, then the braces can be installed to support walls, but the penetration width must be large enough for the brace plus clearance, which can compromise the effectiveness of the wall system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into distributed wall extensions rather than centralized braces. Each extension individually engages with the ceiling, allowing for smaller, less intrusive penetration points that maintain wall system effectiveness while enabling feasible installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wall system is designed to be non-load bearing and easily reconfigurable, then the wall panels can be moved without affecting structural integrity, but the wall panels cannot be securely attached to the ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where the wall extensions can be adjusted to different heights and positions. The guide and spacer mechanism allows the extensions to be easily repositioned while maintaining secure engagement with the ceiling, enabling both reconfigurability and attachment security.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall panel-ceiling engagement device is designed to couple a wall panel to a ceiling. The engagement device, when engaged with the ceiling, holds the wall panel stationary without any fasteners, braces or other securing members that penetrate into the ceiling. The engagement device includes a pair of wall extensions secured to opposite sides of the wall panel and that contain a sound and/or attenuating material, such as a foam material, therebetween. Corner braces are used to join adjacent wall-panels to one another. The corner braces also function to allow the wall panels to sway as a collective and connected unit during seismic events.