Down Rod Guy Wire Connector for Axial Lock and Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outdoor environmental control apparatuses, such as ceiling fans, face challenges in securely attaching guy wires due to the lack of fixed attachment locations, leading to misalignment and slacking under wind loads, and current solutions are complex, difficult to install, and unsightly.

Innovation Solution

A connector apparatus with separable portions forming an aperture for the down rod and passages for guy wires, allowing secure attachment and alignment, featuring a groove for axial stability and rotational freedom, and manufacturing methods that simplify production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If clamps are used to attach guy wire anchors to the down rod, then the guy wires can be oriented to align with building attachment points, but the anchors slide along the down rod axis under wind load, causing wires to become slack

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation alignmentVSAvoidwire tension maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two functional segments: a clamp portion for orientation alignment and a retention portion with a groove for axial position maintenance. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently - the clamp provides rotational adjustment while the groove prevents sliding under load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The groove in the down rod acts as an intermediary feature that mediates between the anchor and the rod. It provides a positive mechanical stop that prevents axial movement while allowing the clamp to maintain rotational adjustability, thus resolving the conflict between orientation flexibility and position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If guy wire anchors are directly attached to the sides of the down rod with screws, then the attachment is simple, but the radial position of the guy wires cannot be properly aligned with building attachment points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidradial position alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is designed to be dynamically adjustable in rotation around the down rod axis, allowing the guy wire anchor to be oriented in any radial direction. This dynamic rotational capability provides the necessary adaptability to align with various building attachment points while maintaining a simple overall attachment structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid attachment of the down rod to the ceiling is used to prevent lateral movement, then lateral stability is improved, but moment forces are applied to the electrical box or ceiling structure which they were not designed to bear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral stabilityVSAvoidceiling structure load capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The guy wires act as counterbalancing elements that provide lateral support to the down rod. By tensioning the wires at appropriate angles, they create opposing forces that counteract wind-induced lateral loads, effectively reducing the moment forces transmitted to the ceiling electrical box and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Reliability

If complex attachment means are used for guy wires, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and the appearance becomes unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp and retention features are merged into a single integrated component that attaches to the down rod as one unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate alignment and positioning operations, simplifying installation while maintaining both rotational adjustability and axial position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated clamp-retention component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational adjustment for orientation alignment, maintains axial position to prevent sliding, and secures the guy wire anchor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of installation steps and components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11578782B1Guy wire connector for ceiling fan

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 DELTA T CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for connecting one or more guy wires to a down rod, the connector having first and second separable portions which form an aperture for receiving the down rod. At least one of the first or second portions includes at least one passage adapted for releasably receiving a portion of the guy wire. The guy wire may include an anchor, and the passage for receiving the guy wire may be adapted for capturing the anchor so as to preclude movement of the guy wire in a radial direction.