Beam Clamp Contact Surface for Higher Load and Slip Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam clamps for supporting or bracing service components on structural building members face issues such as deformation, improper installation, and slipping due to inadequate load ratings and surface engagement, leading to increased costs and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A beam clamp design featuring a clamp body with surface irregularities on the contact surface and a set screw with a waisted formation that acts as a stress concentrator, enhancing engagement with the flange and distributing loads effectively, while the surface irregularities and material hardness improve the clamp's grip and resistance to deformation.
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 supply and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the clamp body by introducing surface irregularities (ridges and furrows) on the contact surface. This increases the effective contact area and friction between the clamp and flange, thereby improving the load rating without requiring additional clamps or higher-grade materials that would increase cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface irregularities are localized to the contact surface area where engagement with the flange occurs. This localized modification enhances grip and load-bearing capacity at the critical interface without requiring the entire clamp body to be more expensive material or design.
2Reliability
If the load rating of beam clamps is increased, then the number of beam clamps required is reduced, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface irregularities are pre-formed on the contact surface during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the clamp is installed, the enhanced grip is immediately available without requiring additional installation steps, thus improving load rating without increasing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If the contact surface is made smoother, then the installation process is simplified, but the engagement with the flange is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the surface roughness parameters by creating specific ridge and furrow patterns on the contact surface. This controlled roughness enhancement improves flange engagement through increased friction and mechanical interlocking, while the regular pattern allows for straightforward installation procedures.
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 improved engagement and resistance to slipping, reducing the likelihood of deformation and failure, thereby enhancing the reliability and load-bearing capacity while minimizing the number of clamps required, thus reducing 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
Implementation Method 2
a set screw with a waisted formation that acts as a stress concentrator, enhancing engagement with the flange and distributing loads effectively
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 screwed within transverse opening between the tip of the set screw and the contact surface.