Beam Clamp Contact Surface for Higher Load Without Slipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam clamps for attaching service components to structural building members face issues such as deformation, improper installation, and slipping due to inadequate load ratings and engagement with the flange, leading to increased costs and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
A beam clamp design featuring a clamp body with surface irregularities on the contact surface, such as alternating ridges and furrows, and a set screw with a waisted formation that acts as a stress concentrator, ensuring secure engagement with the flange and distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the load rating of beam clamps is increased, then the number of beam clamps required is reduced, but the complexity of the clamp body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is provided with surface irregularities (ridges and furrows) only in the specific region where it contacts the flange, rather than modifying the entire clamp body. This localized modification increases the load rating through enhanced engagement while keeping the overall clamp body design simple and manageable.
2Reliability
If the load rating of beam clamps is increased, then the supply and installation cost is reduced, but the manufacturing precision required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface irregularities are created by modifying the cutting parameters or tool path during manufacturing. By changing the cutting depth, feed rate, or using a patterned cutting tool, the ridges and furrows can be formed with controlled dimensions. This approach allows achieving the required surface precision through process parameter optimization rather than requiring complex post-processing or high-precision machining of the entire component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The beam clamp provides enhanced engagement and load distribution, reducing the likelihood of slipping and deformation, thereby improving reliability and reducing the number of clamps required, which in turn decreases installation and supply costs.
Implementation Method 1
the contact surface is formed with surface irregularities providing a roughness that enhances engagement of the contact surface with the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A beam clamp for attachment to a flange of a structural building member and from which to support or brace a service component. The beam clamp has a clamp body, and a set screw. The clamp body includes a first jaw section with at least one mounting through hole, a second jaw section, a joining section that interconnects the first and second jaw sections, and a transverse opening that is to receive the flange. A contact surface on the second jaw section is formed with surface irregularities providing a roughness that enhances engagement of the contact surface with the flange. In use of the beam clamp, the contact surface is in contact with the flange of the structural member, the set screw is installed in the mounting through hole, and the flange is secured within transverse opening between the tip of the set screw and the contact surface.