Hanger Locator Tooth for Joist Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching joists to headers are time-consuming and prone to misalignment due to the need to manually hold hangers in place during fastening, and they often flex outwardly from packaging, causing installation inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A hanger design featuring locator teeth on top flanges that penetrate the header for temporary positioning, combined with side panels and back panels with fastening structures like nail teeth and holes for secure attachment, allowing for quick alignment and secure fastening without manual holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hanger is manually held in place during fastening, then alignment can be achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The locator teeth are pre-formed on the hanger during manufacturing, enabling automatic positioning action to occur before fastening begins. This preliminary structural feature eliminates the need for manual alignment holding during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger's locator teeth automatically engage with the header to self-position the hanger in the correct location during installation. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment operations and reduces installation time.
2Measurement precision
If a hanger is held manually during fastening, then positioning can be maintained, but misalignment may still occur due to movement during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The locator teeth are pre-formed on the hanger during manufacturing, enabling automatic positioning action to occur before fastening begins. This preliminary structural feature eliminates the need for manual alignment holding during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger's locator teeth automatically engage with the header to self-position the hanger in the correct location during installation. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment operations and reduces installation time.
3Ease of manufacture
If a hanger is packaged for shipping, then it can be transported efficiently, but it develops a bias to flex outwardly that complicates installation
Solution Approach 1:
The locator teeth are pre-formed on the hanger during manufacturing, enabling automatic positioning action to occur before fastening begins. This preliminary structural feature eliminates the need for manual alignment holding during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger's locator teeth automatically engage with the header to self-position the hanger in the correct location during installation. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment operations and reduces installation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger for connecting a structural member to a structural support includes a base sized and shaped for receiving the structural member thereon. First and second side panels extend upward from the base, and first and second back panels extend from a respective one of the side panels. First and second top flanges extend from a respective one of the back panels, each of the top flanges having a free end opposite the back panel. The free end has free corner margins, at least one corner margin of at least one top flange depending downward from an adjacent portion of the top flange to form a locator tooth configured to penetrate the structural support for at least temporarily locating the hanger on the structural support.