EP4686791A1

EP4686791A1 - Connector for stud system

Info

Publication number: EP4686791A1
Application number: EP24191555.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Evans; Jeremy SIMONS; Duncan Shea-Simonds
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Placo SAS
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Placo SAS
Priority date: 2024-07-29
Filing date: 2024-07-29
Publication date: 2026-02-04
Also published as: WO2026027151A1

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is a stud system for a partition wall or ceiling, the stud system comprising: a first building element; a second building element; and a connector; wherein the connector comprises a first end fixed within the first building element, and a second end located within and in contact with the second building element, wherein the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.47. There is further provided a connector for use in the stud system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stud system for a partition wall or ceiling and a connector for use in a stud system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

During their lifetime, buildings experience forces from the environment, such as weather systems, which cause relative movement between the floors of the building. Tall buildings and buildings located in certain climates are particularly susceptible to these environmental forces, such as strong winds. Additionally, a crowd of people moving about on an upper floor of a building may cause the upper floor to move slightly in relation to the floor/s below.
The loads experienced by the building can be transferred between floors of the building by the stud systems. As such, the floor-wall and wall-ceiling connections are placed under load by these external forces. In known stud systems the studs are placed in direct contact with the floor or ceiling tracks. Load experienced by floor-wall and wall-ceiling connections is transferred directly from the studs to the tracks, causing the stick/slip phenomenon to occur.
While buildings may be designed to accommodate moderate forces so that they are structurally sound, known stud systems are not designed to mitigate unwanted consequences of movement between floors of the building. As such, unwanted noise, such as creaking occurs when the stud system experiences, for example, strong winds.
In the prior art, an intermediate material, such as tape or a plastic insert, may be applied during installation in order to separate elements of the stud system which would otherwise be in contact. These measures have been unsuccessful at reducing the stick/slip phenomenon and are also time-intensive and difficult to install.
Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stud system for a partition wall or ceiling, the stud system comprising: a first building element; a second building element; and a connector; wherein the connector comprises a first end fixed within the first building element, and a second end located within and in contact with the second building element, wherein the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.47.
In this way, a stud system is provided that permits relative movement between the connector and the second building element. In the prior art, it is conventional for the first building element to be in direct contact with the second building element. In this way, the stick/slip phenomenon occurs as the building elements are not configured to slide against one another and so forces build up between the surfaces of the building elements which, when overcome, releases energy as unwanted noise when the building elements 'slip' against one another.
The stud system of the present invention inhibits the stick/slip phenomenon from occurring by providing an intermediate connector between the two building elements, thereby reducing 'stick' between the building elements and preventing unwanted energy release leading to noise due to the subsequent 'slipping'. The second building element is permitted to slide against the connector, thereby inhibiting undesirable 'sticking' of the connector against the second building element. In this way, the unwanted effects of movement between floors of a building, such as undesired creaking noises, are mitigated. Occupants of multi-floor buildings can find the noises made by the building as it moves under strong winds to be disconcerting or alarming.
Preferably, the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.44. More preferably, the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.32. More preferably, the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.29. The static coefficient of friction is a ratio of the force of friction between the second end of the connector and the second building element and the force pressing these surfaces together. The coefficient of static friction is the ratio of the maximum static friction force between the surfaces in contact before movement commences to the normal force.
Preferably, the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or greater than 0.10. More preferably, the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or greater than 0.20. Still more preferably, the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or greater than 0.25.
Preferably, the second end comprises a first engagement surface in contact with a first surface of the second building element, and further comprises a second engagement surface in contact with a second surface of the second building element. Preferably, the first engagement surface lies in a first plane and the second engagement surface lies in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel.
Preferably, the second end comprises a longitudinal axis parallel to the first plane and second plane. Preferably, the second building element is configured to slide, glide or otherwise move against the first engagement surface and second engagement surface in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
Preferably, the first plane and the second plane substantially oppose one another. Preferably, the first engagement surface is substantially planar. Preferably, the second engagement surface is substantially planar. In this way, a flat surface is provided against which the second building element may slide against.
Preferably, the first engagement surface comprises a first sub-surface and a second sub-surface. In this way, a pair of surfaces are provided on the connector configured to contact and slide against the second building element. By providing two sub-surfaces, improved stability of the connector within the second building element may be achieved. Preferably, the first sub-surface and the second sub-surface are positioned symmetrically about a mirror line, wherein the mirror line passes through the centre of the second engagement surface.
Preferably, the first sub-surface and second sub-surface are coupled to one another and to the second engagement surface by a body portion. Preferably, the body portion comprises a truncated V-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the combined width of the first sub-surface, second sub-surface and second engagement surface extends the majority of the width of the second end. Preferably, the first sub-portion, second sub-portion and second engagement surface extend substantially the entire height of the body portion. In some embodiments, the first sub-portion, second sub-portion and second engagement surface extend the entire height of the body portion. In this way, a relatively large surface area between the second end and the second building element is provided.
Preferably, the first engagement surface and/or the second engagement surface comprises polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene copolymer, polyolefin film coated with acrylic adhesive or polytetrafluoroethylene. Preferably, the polyamide comprises Nylon 6 or Nylon 6SA. Nylon 6 is otherwise known as Polycaprolactam (Poly(azepan-2-one); poly(hexano-6-lactam)). The static coefficient of friction is influenced by the properties of the first and second engagement surfaces, such as the material and surface roughness. The preferable materials of the first engagement surface and/or the second engagement surface assist in providing the necessary static coefficient of friction.
Preferably, the first building element and/or the second building element comprises metal, preferably steel. Preferably, the first building element and/or the second building element comprise a channel. Preferably, the channel is a C-shaped channel. Alternatively, the channel is a U-shaped channel. Alternatively, the channel is an I-shaped channel. In some embodiments, the stud system is part of a partition wall. Alternatively, the stud system is part of a ceiling. It is understood that a channel is a type of building element and the term channel encompasses, for example, studs in vertical framing elements and tracks in floor or ceiling elements.
Preferably, the first building element and/or the second building element comprises a textured surface. Preferably, the second building element comprises textured metal, preferably steel. The roughness of the surface of the first building element and/or the second building influences the static coefficient of friction between the building element and the connector. For example, a textured surface of the first building element may inhibit motion of the first building element relative to the connector, thereby fixing the connector within the first building element. A textured surface of the second building element may allow a desirable coefficient of friction to be provided between the second building element and the first and second engagement surfaces. Preferably, the textured metal comprises a plurality of projections and/or depressions. More preferably, the plurality and of projections and/or depressions form a regular array. Still more preferably, the regular array extends across the majority of the surface of the first and or second building element.
Building elements typically have a cross section which is either "I-shaped" or "C-shaped", both of which comprise a pair of flanges connected by a single web. Building elements comprising textured metal typically comprise the textured metal over at least the majority of the flanges, preferably over all of the flanges and more preferably over the entire surface of the flanges and the web.
Preferably, the first portion comprises at least one rib. Preferably, the first portion and second portion of the connector are integrally formed. Preferably, the connector is integrally formed.
Preferably, the stud system comprises a plurality of connectors.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector for use in the stud system of the first aspect of the invention.
The features described in relation to the connector of the first aspect of the invention are understood to be present in relation to the connector of the second aspect of the invention. The preferable or optional features may optionally be present in the connector of the second aspect of the invention.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector; wherein the connector comprises a first end fixed for fixing within a first building element, and a second end for engaging with a second building element, wherein, in use, the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.47.
The features described in relation to the connector of the first aspect of the invention are understood to be present in relation to the connector of the third aspect of the invention. The preferable or optional features may optionally be present in the connector of the third aspect of the invention.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector, wherein the connector comprises a first end fixed for fixing within a first building element, and a second end for engaging with a second building element, wherein the second end comprises a first engagement surface in contact with a first surface of the second building element, and further comprises a second engagement surface in contact with a second surface of the second building element.
Preferably, the first engagement surface lies in a first plane and the second engagement surface lies in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel.
Preferably, the first plane and the second plane substantially oppose one another.
The features described in relation to the connector of the first aspect of the invention are understood to be present in relation to the connector of the fourth aspect of the invention. The preferable or optional features may optionally be present in the connector of the fourth aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following figures:

Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a connector of a stud system according to the first aspect of the present invention;
Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a stud system comprising the connector of Figure 1;
Figure 3 depicts a top view of the connector of Figure 1;
Figures 4 and 5 depict relative motion between the connector and second building element of the stud system of Figure 2;
Figures 6 and 7 depict insertion of the second end of the connector into the second building element of the stud system of Figure 2; and
Figure 8 depicts the static coefficient of friction between several material combinations.

With reference to Figures 1 and 3, an embodiment of a connector 105 according to the second aspect of the present invention is illustrated. The connector 105 is suitable for use in a stud system according to the first aspect of the invention, such as the stud system 100 of Figure 2.
The connector 105 comprises a first end 120 fixed to a second end 125. In this embodiment, the connector 105 is integrally formed.
The first end comprises a body 130 comprising a plurality of concentric external ribs 135. In this embodiment, four ribs 135 are provided, however other embodiments may include a greater or fewer number of ribs. The body 130 has a substantially rectangular cross-section configured to be housed within a C-shaped channel. The body 130 is partially hollow and comprises a plurality of internal support struts 140. In this way, less material is required to form the first end 120 of the connector 105, while the body 130 maintains ease of manufacture, such as via additive manufacture processes e.g. 3D printing.
The body 130 further comprises an open end 130a also configured to improve ease of manufacture via additive manufacturing processes. The internal support struts 140 project from the body 130 to form part of the ribs 135 on the open end 130a of the body 130. In this way, the ribs 135 are located on all four sides of the body 130.
The second end 125 comprises a first engagement surface 140 comprising a first sub-surface 140a and a second sub-surface 140b. The second end 125 further comprises a second engagement surface 145. The first engagement surface 140 lies in a first plane P1 and the second engagement surface 145 lies in a second plane P2, wherein the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 are substantially parallel, as illustrated in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the first plane P1 and second plan P2 extend perpendicularly into the page.
In this embodiment, preferably the distance between the first plane P1 and second plane P2 is 48 mm, 60 mm or 70 mm. However, it is appreciated that the length of the connector 105 may be any suitable length for insertion into the desired size building elements.
The first sub-surface 140a, second sub-surface 140b and second engagement surface 145 are all planar such that a flat surface is provided for contacting the second building element 115. The first sub-surface 140a and the second sub-surface 140b are positioned symmetrically about a mirror line M, wherein the mirror line M passes through the centre of the second engagement surface 145.
The first sub-surface 140a and second sub-surface 140b are coupled to each another and are also each coupled to the second engagement surface 145 by a body portion 150. The body portion 150 comprises a truncated V-shaped cross-section, as illustrated in Figure 2. The second engagement surface 145 is located on the truncated converging 'point' of the V-shape and each of the sub-surfaces 140a, 140b are located at the diverging 'ends' of the V-shape.
As illustrated on Figure 3, the combined width of the first sub-surface 140a, second sub-surface 140b and second engagement surface 145 extends the majority of the width of the second end 135, the width being in a direction parallel to the plane lines P1, P2. As illustrated on Figure 1, the first sub-surface 140a, second sub-surface 140b and second engagement surface 145 extend substantially the entire height of the body portion 150.
The first sub-surface 140a and second sub-surface 140b each comprise a reinforcement flange 155 projecting from the sub-surface 140a, 140b in a direction towards the second plane P2. The reinforcement flanges 155 provide structural reinforcement to the first engagement surface 140.
With reference to Figures 2 and 4-7, the stud system 100 comprising the connector 105 of Figure 1, a first building element 110 and a second building element 115 is illustrated. In the stud system 100 of Figure 2 the first end 120 of the connector 105 is in fixed connection with a first building element 110 and the second end 125 of the connector 105 is located within and in contact with a second building element 115.
In this way, the first end 120 is substantially fixed and immovable within the first building element 110 such that the first end 120 cannot slip, glide or otherwise move in relation to the first building element 110 when experiencing normal forces during use.
In this embodiment, the first building element 110 and the second building element 115 both comprise a C-shaped channel. In this embodiment, the stud system 100 is configured to form part of a partition wall, as illustrated in Figure 2. The stud system 100 is illustrated in connection with a ceiling assembly 50 and a wall assembly 60. The stud system 100 comprises a pair of connectors 105. Each connector 105 is identical to the connector 105 of Figure 1. It is envisaged that stud systems 100 falling within the scope of the invention may comprise one, two or more connectors 105 according to the second aspect of the invention.
The connection between the second end 125 of the connector 105 and the second building element 115 will now be described in more detail.
The second building element 115 comprises a first internal surface 115a opposing a second internal surface 115b. The first engagement surface 140 is in contact with the first internal surface 115a and the second engagement surface 145 is in contact with the second internal surface 115b.
The static coefficient of friction between the first engagement surface 140 and first internal surface 115a is equal to or less than 0.47. The static coefficient of friction between the second engagement surface 145 and second internal surface 115b is equal to or less than 0.47. In this way, the engagement surfaces 140, 145 can slide against the respective internal surface 115a, 115b of the second building element 115. The relative motion permitted between the engagement surfaces 140, 145 and respective internal surface 115a, 115b permits the position of the second building element 115 to change when forces are experienced by the second building element 115 during use.
As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the second building element 115 is permitted to move in a first direction D1 towards the first building element 110. The first direction D1 is parallel to the first plane P1 and second plane P2. The second building element 115 is also permitted to move in an opposing second direction D2 away from the first building element 110. The first direction D1 is also parallel to the first plane P1 and second plane P2.
The static coefficient of friction between the first engagement surface 140 and the first internal surface 115a, and the second engagement surface 145 and the second internal surface 115b allows the second building element 115 to slide over the engagement surfaces 140, 145 of the connector 105. In this way, the stud system 100 reduces or prevents 'sticking' of the engagement surfaces 140, 145 against the respective internal surface 115a, 115b and therefore unwanted noises, such as creaking, within the stud system 100 are reduced or prevented.
For example, the ceiling assembly 50 coupled to the second building element 115 may experience forces during normal use, such as due to motion of persons located on the floor above. The forces experienced by the ceiling assembly 50 may be transferred to the second building element 115 by the coupling. The second building element 115 is configured to slide against the connector 105, thereby allowing the second building element 115 to move in the first direction D1. In this way, the stud system 100 is configured to absorb some of the forces experienced due to the external environment, thereby providing a semi-dynamic stud system 100.
The first end 120 is fixed within the first building element 110 such that the first end 120 cannot move in relation to the first building element 110. In this way, a degree of stability is provided in the stud system 100.
The plurality of ribs 135 ensure that the first end 120 is inserted into the first building element 110 with an interference fit. It is envisaged that alternative means of providing an interference fit may be provided. For example, the first end 120 may be fixed to the first building element 110 using adhesive, screws or other fixing means.
To insert the second end 125 of the connector 105 into the second building element 115 the second end 125 can be inserted into the channel of the second building element 115 such that the first and second planes P1, P2 are perpendicular to the first and second internal surfaces 115a, 115b of the second building element 115, as illustrated in Figure 6.
The connector 105 can then be rotated 90 degrees such that the first and second planes P1, P2 are planar to the first and second internal surfaces 115a, 115b of the second building element 115, as illustrated in Figure 7. The distance between the first plane P1 and second plane P2 is substantially identical to the distance between the first internal surface 115a and the second internal surface 115b. In this way, the first and second engagement surfaces 140, 145 are in contact with the first internal surface 115a and the second internal surface 115b, respectively.
Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above.
For example, the shape of the body 130 of the first end 120 may be configured to fit within an I-shaped channel of a first building element. Similarly, the body 150 of the second end 125 may be configured with an alternative cross-section such that the second end 125 may be accommodated in an l-shaped channel of a second building element.

STATIC COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION TESTING

Static coefficient of friction (SCOF) testing was performed on a number of material samples. The results of this testing are illustrated in Figure 8 and Tables 2, 3 and 4 below.
A test under dry conditions was performed to measure the force required to move a sample of a first material placed on a surface formed of a second material. 20 mm by 20 mm samples were tested. A load of 6.18 N was used in linear reciprocating testing for a duration of 60 seconds. The initial speed performed was 0.01 RPM, with this speed logarithmically increased during testing.

The first and second material choices for each test are outlined in Table 1.

Table 1

Example No.	Material 1	Material 2
Example 1	Textured Steel	Polyamide 6 (0°)
Example 2	Textured Steel	Polyamide 6 (90°)
Example 3	Textured Steel	Polyethylene
Example 4	Textured Steel	Polypropylene copolymer
Example 5	Textured Steel	Polytetrafluoroethylene
Example 6	Textured Steel	Polyolefin film coated with acrylic adhesive
Comparative Example 1	Textured Steel	Textured Steel

Material 1 is a steel with a surface textured according to WO 2009/063154 (under the tradename UltraSTEEL^® by Hadley Group). The textured steel samples have a dimpled impression on the flange corners according to the patent application above.
Material 2 of Example 6 was an Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyolefin film coated with acrylic adhesive (under the tradename Fric-Lo^® 5M Instant Friction Reduction Tape by Lynvale Ltd).
In Comparative Example 1, both Material 1 and Material 2 were steels with a textured surface.
In Examples 1 and 2, injected polyamide 6 was tested as Material 2. Namely, samples of polyamide 6 formed by injection moulding were tested, thereby simulating a connector formed using additive manufacturing techniques.
In Examples 1 and 2, testing was performed in both the direction of the material grain (0°) and in a direction perpendicular to the grain (90°). Specifically, the SCOF was tested when moving Material 1 over Material 2 in the direction parallel to the grain (0°) and in a direction perpendicular to the grain (90°).
Material 2 of Examples 1 and 2 comprises a grain due to the injection moulding manufacturing process used to form the sample. All other tested Materials 1 and 2 are isotropic materials and it is therefore not possible to define a preferential direction or grain direction.
The SCOF results for Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Table 2. Here, each test was repeated on twenty independent occasions. Table 2

Example 1 Example 2

Mean 0.454 0.441

Median 0.456 0.445

25^th Percentile 0.396 0.398

75^th Percentile 0.519 0.480

The SCOF results for Examples 3 to 6 are shown in Table 3. Here, each test was repeated on twenty independent occasions and the test for Example 6 was repeated on thirty independent occasions.

Table 3

	Example 3	Example 4	Example 5	Example 6
Mean	0.253	0.316	0.287	0.268
Median	0.235	0.317	0.278	0.260
25^th Percentile	0.220	0.299	0.255	0.219
75^th Percentile	0.285	0.329	0.322	0.316

The SCOF results for Comparative Example 1 is shown in Table 4. Here, the test was repeated on thirty independent occasions. Table 4

Comparative Example 1

Mean 0.476

Median 0.472

25^th Percentile 0.411

75^th Percentile 0.546
Of the examples, Example 3 exhibited the lowest mean and median static coefficient of friction. Example 1 exhibited the highest static coefficient of friction of the examples. Notably, all of the examples exhibited a lower static coefficient of friction than Comparative Example 1. As such, the use of the connectors of each of Examples 1 to 6 reduced the friction between the building elements, easing movement and reducing noise. As such, each of the connector materials used in Examples 1 to 6 is suitable for use in the present invention. In particular, Examples 3-6 exhibit much lower friction between the connector and building element than Comparative Example 1.

Claims

A stud system for a partition wall or ceiling, the stud system comprising:
a first building element;

a second building element; and

a connector; wherein

the connector comprises a first end fixed within the first building element, and

a second end located within and in contact with the second building element,

wherein the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.47.
The stud system of claim 1, wherein the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.44.
The stud system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the static coefficient of friction between the second end and the second building element is equal to or less than 0.32.
The stud system of any one preceding claim, wherein the second end comprises a first engagement surface in contact with a first surface of the second building element, and further comprises a second engagement surface in contact with a second surface of the second building element.
The stud system of claim 4, wherein the first engagement surface lies in a first plane and the second engagement surface lies in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel.
The stud system of claim 5, wherein the first plane and the second plane substantially oppose one another.
The stud system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first engagement surface is substantially planar.
The stud system of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second engagement surface is substantially planar.
The stud system of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first engagement surface comprises a first sub-surface and a second sub-surface.
The stud system of claim 9, wherein the first sub-surface and the second sub-surface are positioned symmetrically about a mirror line, wherein the mirror line passes through the centre of the second engagement surface.
The stud system of any one preceding claim, wherein the first engagement surface and/or the second engagement surface comprises polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene copolymer, polyolefin film coated with acrylic adhesive or polytetrafluoroethylene.
The stud system of any one preceding claim, wherein the first building element and/or the second building element comprises metal.
The stud system of claim 12, wherein the second building element comprises textured metal.
The stud system of any one preceding claim, wherein the first building element and/or the second building element comprises a textured surface.
A connector for use in the stud system of any one preceding claim.