Non-Load Bearing Wall Fastener Assembly for Deflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener assemblies for securing non-load bearing walls to structural components often result in uneven installations, leading to issues like squeaking floors, stress cracks, and load transfer to unsupported walls, due to inadequate deflection accommodation and installation challenges across various materials like wood, cold-formed steel, and concrete.

Innovation Solution

The development of fastener assemblies with removable sleeves and adaptable installation guides that allow for flush and offset installations, featuring tapered ribs and slits for flexible engagement, and a system that includes a bit with an e-clip for toggling between installation configurations, ensuring secure anchoring while accommodating material deflection without overloading the wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If wall hanging hardware is installed tightly to secure non-load bearing walls, then wall stability is improved, but floor deflection is restricted causing creaking and squeaking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall stabilityVSAvoidcreaking and squeaking

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible wall hanging hardware that can accommodate floor deflection through elastic deformation. The hardware includes flexible components such as springs or elastomeric elements that allow the wall to remain securely mounted while permitting the floor to deflect naturally under load, thereby eliminating creaking and squeaking noises.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the wall hanging hardware by incorporating elements with varying stiffness along their length or using materials with appropriate elastic moduli. This allows the hardware to be rigid enough to stabilize the wall while remaining flexible enough to accommodate floor deflection, resolving the contradiction between wall stability and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If blocking systems are overbuilt to fasten non-bearing walls securely, then wall support is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall supportVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wall support system into modular components including pre-fabricated blocking sections, standardized fasteners, and interchangeable mounting elements. This segmentation allows workers to assemble the support system in discrete steps using simple tools, reducing installation complexity while maintaining adequate wall support strength through proper component selection and arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If fasteners are installed flush to ensure proper alignment, then installation precision is improved, but deflection accommodation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation precisionVSAvoiddeflection accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic fastening systems that can transition between fixed and flexible states. The fasteners are designed to maintain precise alignment during installation (flush mounting) but incorporate flexible elements that allow controlled movement and deflection accommodation during service. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between installation precision and deflection adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If hardware is designed for specific material types, then connection strength is improved, but application versatility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidapplication versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs universal wall hanging hardware with standardized mounting interfaces and adjustable configuration options that can accommodate multiple material types including wood, metal, and concrete. The hardware incorporates adaptive elements such as adjustable spacing mechanisms and interchangeable mounting plates that maintain connection strength across different substrates while significantly expanding application versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20220034351A1Systems, devices and methods for securing non-load bearing walls

Publication Date: 2022.02.03 SIMPSON STRONG TIE

AI summary

Disclosed are systems, devices and methods used in construction to secure one component, such as a header, to another component, such as a joist, while controlling spacing. Fasteners are used with a removable sleeve member having longitudinal ribs to secure the fastening assembly and prevent movement. An installation guide is provided that facilitates both flush and offset installation.