Beam Attachment Clip With Spring Teeth for Variable Support Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment devices for metal beams in the building sector face issues with mechanical strength, require tools for tightening, and necessitate specific accessories for securing elements, limiting their adaptability to various support thicknesses and weight capacities.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped flange with staggered spigots and flexible teeth that dig into the support and act as springs, allowing for secure attachment without tools or accessories, accommodating multiple support thicknesses and enabling high mechanical strength for large weight-bearing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hardened steel rider is used for attachment, then the attachment can be engaged by hammer, but several models are required to accommodate different beam thicknesses and additional fixing accessories are needed for different suspension types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different beam thicknessesVSAvoidnumber of models and accessories required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device incorporates a U-shaped flange with a jaw that can accommodate multiple beam thicknesses through a single design. The jaw is equipped with spigots that can engage with beams of varying dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple models. Additionally, the device can suspend different types of elements (threaded rods, smooth rods, collars, plastic straps, chains, cables) directly without requiring separate fixing accessories, thus achieving multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is divided into functional segments: the U-shaped flange for structural support, the jaw for engaging the beam, spigots for insertion and positioning, and flexible teeth for securing elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while contributing to the overall adaptability of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a screw-based attachment is used, then the attachment can be tightened against the support, but tools are required for efficient tightening and mechanical strength is reduced due to leverage effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strength of attachmentVSAvoidease of tightening without tools

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device features a jaw with spigots and flexible teeth that automatically engage and secure the beam and suspended elements through mechanical interference and elastic deformation. The flexible teeth act as springs, providing self-locking action when elements are inserted, eliminating the need for tools to tighten or secure the attachment. The device serves itself by utilizing the insertion force to create the securing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixing accessories are used for threaded rods and cables, then various elements can be suspended, but assembly methods like riveting are required which reduce mechanical strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to suspend different elementsVSAvoidmechanical strength without riveting

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the functions of the jaw, spigots, and flexible teeth into a single integrated structure that directly engages with the beam and suspended elements. This eliminates the need for separate fixing accessories and assembly methods like riveting. The flexible teeth themselves serve as the securing mechanism, combining the functions of engagement, retention, and strength provision in one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a high-strength attachment that securely manages various support thicknesses and supports large weights without tools or accessories, enhancing mechanical stability and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of flexible teeth acting as springs at the ends of the bottom arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring effect: Spring

Implementation Method 2

Each tooth being able to bend downwards by flexible deformation when the jaw is inserted on the support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The spigots digging into the top face of the support and the spring effect of the two flexible teeth enhance the holding strength by opposing any sliding movement of the part in the inserted position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20060102820A1Attachment device for fixing various elements to a support

Publication Date: 2006.05.18 A RAYMOND & CO SCS

AI summary

An attachment device comprises a metal part obtained by cutting and folding a metal plate or sheet, and shaped as a rider designed to be fitted astride a metal support in the form of a beam or a bar. The metal part comprises a U-shaped flange having two side faces forming a jaw equipped with a series of spigots staggered along the top arms and with a pair of flexible teeth acting as springs at the ends of the bottom arms. The holding strength is enhanced, and the two flexible teeth coming into contact against the bottom face of the support enables several thicknesses of the support to be managed.