Clevis Hanger Snap-Open Design for Conduit Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of clevis hangers for supporting cables, conduits, and pipes is challenging due to difficulties in aligning openings under poor lighting conditions and the rotation of the lower hanger member, which complicates conduit insertion and causes damage and stress on the support rod.
Innovation Solution
A snap-open and snap-closed configuration using a lower strap with tabs and an upper strap with openings, allowing for easy connection and conduit support without threaded fasteners, simplifying installation and reducing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lower U-shaped hanger member is fitted onto the conduit and raised above the installer's head to mate with the upper hanger member, then the clevis hanger can be assembled, but the poor lighting conditions and unfavorable positioning make it difficult to align the openings for fastener insertion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising the lower hanger member above the installer's head to connect to the upper member, the invention inverts the sequence by first connecting the upper hanger member to the support rod, then lowering the conduit with the attached lower hanger member into position. This inversion places the installer in a favorable working position with proper lighting and alignment visibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lower hanger member is connected to the upper hanger member and the clevis hanger assembly is connected to the support rod, then the structure is stable, but the lower hanger member is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis, causing the conduit to rotate and scrape against the outer edge
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by providing a keyway in the lower hanger member that engages with a corresponding key in the upper hanger member. This preliminary constraint prevents rotational movement before the conduit can be fed through, thereby preventing the harmful scraping effect on the conduit outer edge.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower hanger member is free to rotate, then assembly is flexible, but the rotation causes the opening to reduce as conduit is fed, making it difficult to push the conduit through without manually holding the lower hanger member
Solution Approach 1:
The keyway and key engagement provides preliminary anti-action by constraining the lower hanger member's rotation about the longitudinal axis. This constraint maintains the opening size consistent throughout the conduit feeding process, eliminating the need for manual holding and facilitating smooth conduit insertion.
4Strength
If threaded fasteners are used to connect the lower and upper hanger members, then the connection is secure, but the installation process requires extra labor and parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threaded fastener from the connection system between the lower and upper hanger members. Instead, it uses a tab-and-slot engagement mechanism where tabs on the lower member fit into slots on the upper member, providing a secure connection without the complexity of threaded fasteners, thereby improving installation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A clevis hanger has an upper strap and a lower strap. The upper strap can be supported by a hang rod or the like. The lower strap and the upper strap can be snapped open and snapped closed such that the lower strap can be secured to the upper strap without additional hardware.