Wall Connection Slots for Seismic Movement and Faster Installation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panelized building construction methods require numerous individual installations of wall panel clips, leading to increased installation time and construction costs, and lack efficient systems to accommodate structural loads and seismic movements.

Innovation Solution

A wall connection system utilizing horizontal building frame components with slots and elongate members connected to wall studs, allowing for fastener assemblies that secure the wall panels without directly connecting the studs to the frame, enabling relative motion during seismic events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If individual wall panel clips are installed for each stud, then structural loads are supported, but installation time and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural load supportVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual stud connections are merged into a single strongback structure that connects to the building frame at one location. The strongback integrates the function of multiple clips by providing a continuous connection surface that supports multiple studs simultaneously, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining structural load support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strongback structure serves multiple functions: it connects multiple studs to the building frame, distributes structural loads, and provides a standardized interface for attachment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for individual clips at each stud location, reducing construction time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If individual wall panel clips are installed for each stud, then structural loads are supported, but construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural load supportVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual stud connections are merged into a single strongback structure that connects to the building frame at one location. The strongback integrates the function of multiple clips by providing a continuous connection surface that supports multiple studs simultaneously, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining structural load support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strongback structure serves multiple functions: it connects multiple studs to the building frame, distributes structural loads, and provides a standardized interface for attachment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for individual clips at each stud location, reducing construction time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If studs are directly connected to the building frame, then structural stability is achieved, but seismic movement capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidseismic movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that can adapt to seismic movements. The slots in the strongback allow the fasteners to move vertically, enabling the wall panel to shift during seismic events while maintaining connection to the building frame. This dynamic capability provides both stability and seismic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The strongback acts as an intermediary between the studs and the building frame, decoupling their direct connection. This intermediate structure allows for relative movement while maintaining the load path, enabling seismic displacement without compromising structural stability. The fasteners moving within slots provide the mediation between fixed frame and movable wall panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12359426B2Wall connection system

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 BLACH CONSTR CO

AI summary

A wall connection system is disclosed, which includes a horizontal building frame component with a first vertical face that has a first slot. The system further includes a prefabricated wall structure with a plurality of parallel studs and an elongate member connect to each stud. The elongate member has a second vertical face with a second slot and is parallel to the first vertical face. The long axis of the first slot is perpendicular to the long axis of the second slot. A fastener assembly connects the horizontal building frame component to the wall structure, through the slots.