Decking Anchor With Snap Projections for One-Handed Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of hanging components, such as lights and HVAC systems, from structural decking is a time-intensive and multi-stepped process, often requiring the use of traditional anchors that necessitate drilling, both hands, and safety protocols, and can be destructive to the decking system.
Innovation Solution
The development of a decking anchor system featuring a primary and secondary anchor portion with projections that snap into place, allowing for quick installation with one hand, either from the ground or using a tool, and providing a non-destructive method for securing components to structural decking panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchors are used to hang components from structural decking, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time increases and the process becomes multi-stepped
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into two separate portions: a first portion that inserts into the decking cavity and a second portion that secures the component. This segmentation allows the first portion to be quickly installed without drilling, while the second portion provides secure attachment, thus reducing installation time while maintaining attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The first anchor portion is pre-formed with engagement features that directly interface with the decking cavity structure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for drilling or additional installation steps, allowing the anchor to be securely attached in a single insertion action, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If traditional anchors requiring drilling are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the decking system suffers damage
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful drilling action is extracted and replaced by a insertion-based attachment mechanism. The first anchor portion is designed to insert into the existing decking cavity without requiring drilling, thus eliminating the damage caused by drilling while maintaining secure attachment through the engagement features that interface with the cavity structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing decking cavity structure, which could be considered a void or weakness, is converted into a beneficial engagement feature. The first anchor portion is designed to utilize this cavity for secure attachment, transforming what could be seen as a structural deficiency into an advantage that enables damage-free installation while maintaining attachment security.
3Reliability
If traditional multi-handed installation procedures are used, then proper installation is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The two anchor portions are designed to be assembled together in a single motion sequence. The first portion is inserted into the decking cavity, and the second portion is attached in a continuous action, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate steps and two hands into a streamlined single-handed operation that maintains installation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor portions incorporate movable or adjustable features that allow them to adapt during installation. This dynamic design enables the anchor to self-align and secure itself during the insertion process, reducing the need for precise manual positioning and allowing for easier single-handed installation while ensuring proper installation quality.
4Reliability
If installation from ground level is not permitted, then safety is maintained, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to operate from the ground level by utilizing the vertical dimension. The first anchor portion inserts into the decking cavity from below, and the component is attached without requiring the installer to be positioned on or near the decking surface. This dimensional approach allows safe ground-level installation while reducing installation time by eliminating the need for ladders or elevated positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
The decking anchors may have a primary portion and a secondary portion that are operatively coupled together, such as through a fastener. The primary portion may comprise one or more primary projections (e.g., first and second primary projections) and/or the secondary portion may comprise one or more secondary projections (e.g., first and second secondary projections). In a first position adjacent projections may be retracted towards each other. In the first position the anchor may be installed into a cavity of the decking panel. The anchor may be rotated into a pre-installed position, and a force is exerted on the anchor such that the projections contact the webs of the decking. In response to continued force the projections move with respect to each other such that the anchor is moved into an installed position (e.g., the adjacent projections extend with respect to each other).