Eyelet Assembly with Segmented Arcuate Prongs for Wire Rope Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyelet assemblies for securing fixtures like lighting fixtures are inefficient in providing a secure and adjustable attachment to wire ropes, lacking a design that allows for easy adjustment and secure closure without gaps.
Innovation Solution
A swaged eyelet assembly with an integrally formed or separable metal eyelet portion and shank, featuring arcuate prongs with a slot that can be angled to close securely around wire ropes, allowing for adjustable attachment to fixtures via grid clips or grippers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional eyelet assemblies are used to secure fixtures to wire ropes, then the attachment is simple and quick, but the fit has gaps and is not secure
Solution Approach 1:
The eyelet portion is divided into two separate prongs that can be spread apart to form an opening for inserting the wire rope, then compressed together to close the opening. This segmentation allows the eyelet to transition between open and closed states, providing both ease of installation and secure attachment without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyelet assembly incorporates a dynamic closing mechanism where the two prongs can be compressed together using compression force (such as from pliers or a closing tool) to close the opening formed by the prongs. This dynamic action transforms the eyelet from an open state during installation to a closed, secure state during use, eliminating gaps and ensuring reliable attachment to the wire rope.
2Ease of operation
If the eyelet portion is made with a closed perimeter, then it provides a secure fit, but it cannot be opened for attachment to the wire rope
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous perimeter of the eyelet is segmented into two separate prongs that form an opening when spread apart. This segmentation enables the eyelet to be opened for easy insertion of the wire rope while maintaining the capability to close securely once attached, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security of fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyelet transitions from a closed continuous perimeter to an open state with an inserted wire rope, and then back to a closed state through compression of the prongs. This dynamic transformation allows the eyelet to be easily opened for attachment while ensuring a secure, gap-free fit when closed, satisfying both ease of operation and reliability requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the eyelet assembly is designed for fixed attachment, then it provides stable support, but it cannot be adjusted for different angles or positions
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented prong design allows the eyelet to be opened and repositioned at different angles before closing. Once closed, the segmented structure maintains a stable, secure attachment. This segmentation provides the flexibility needed for adjustment while preserving the stability required for reliable support.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic opening and closing mechanism enables the eyelet to be adjusted to different angles and positions during installation by opening the prongs, inserting the wire rope at the desired orientation, and then closing the prongs to lock the position. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for various hanging angles while maintaining stability once attached.
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
Enables secure and adjustable attachment of fixtures to wire ropes, ensuring a tight fit without gaps, facilitating balanced and adjustable hanging solutions for lighting fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
The shank is dimensioned to receive a wire rope and is designed to be secured to same by means known in the art, e.g. by being swaged or crimped, around the wire rope or cable to secure a fit
Implementation Method 2
The eyelet portion is then closed, e.g. by compressive force, such as by use of pliers on the prongs, to close the slot thereby looping the eyelet portion through the hole
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure concerns an eyelet assembly comprising a shank; and an eyelet portion connected to an end of the shank, the eyelet portion comprising a first prong and a second prong, the first prong being longer than the second prong, the first and second prongs being substantially arcuate and forming a substantially circular aperture, the first and second prongs at an axial angle relative to each other to form a slot. The assembly can be used to suspend or hang lighting fixtures such as LED flat panels at desired angles of display.