Beam Clamp With Segmented Engagement For Strut Channel Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beam clamps lack versatility in securely mounting strut channels with different attachment structures to beams, requiring multiple clamp designs for various strut configurations.

Innovation Solution

A beam clamp with a clamp body featuring separate strut engagement portions and a U-bolt system, allowing for secure attachment of struts with different fitting structures to beams, using a base with slots and legs that accommodate various strut orientations and attachment types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single beam clamp design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different strut attachment structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp design varietyVSAvoidstrut attachment structure compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The beam clamp is designed with multiple strut engagement portions (first, second, third, and fourth engagement portions) that can accommodate different attachment structures (first and second attachment structures) on strut channels. This multi-functional design allows a single clamp type to securely mount various strut configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamp designs while maintaining adaptability to diverse strut attachment structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple beam clamp designs are used for different strut configurations, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrut configuration compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of clamp designs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple attachment capabilities into a single beam clamp design by integrating four distinct strut engagement portions that can interface with different attachment structures on strut channels. This consolidation merges the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple separate clamp designs into one unified device, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining versatility across various strut configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the clamp body has separate engagement portions for different attachment structures, then versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment structure varietyVSAvoidclamp body fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp body is segmented into distinct engagement portions (first, second, third, and fourth engagement portions), each configured to interface with specific attachment structures on strut channels. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as an integrated component, balancing manufacturing feasibility with the need for versatile attachment capabilities across different strut configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10100861B2Beam clamp for strut channel

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A beam clamp for securing strut to a beam includes a clamp body having a first strut engagement portion configured for engaging a first attachment structure of a strut, and a second strut engagement portion separate from the first strut engagement portion and configured for engaging a second attachment structure of a strut.