Levered Clamp for Sprinkler Support Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler support assemblies require time-consuming and labor-intensive installation processes using screws or bolts, and struggle to securely hold sprinkler heads against significant side, rotational, and torsional forces during operation.
Innovation Solution
A levered clamp assembly with a cross portion and a clamp assembly featuring first and second plates, a rod, and a lever with a cam surface, which reduces spacing between plates to securely attach the support assembly to ceiling beams, allowing quick installation and secure positioning of sprinkler heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to secure the support assembly to the ceiling structure, then the connection strength is sufficient to resist operational forces, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly transitions from an open state with spaced plates to a closed state where the lever mechanism forces the plates together, dynamically changing the clamping force applied to the beam. This allows quick installation without threading fasteners while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fastening function from traditional threaded screws or bolts and replaces it with a lever-operated clamping mechanism. The rod and lever assembly removes the need for rotational fastening, enabling direct clamping action that is both quick and secure.
2Reliability
If the plates are positioned close together to secure the beam, then the clamping force is sufficient to resist side, rotational, and torsional forces, but the clamp cannot accommodate the beam during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly transitions from an open state with spaced plates to a closed state where the lever mechanism forces the plates together, dynamically changing the clamping force applied to the beam. This allows quick installation without threading fasteners while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The installer first positions the beam between the spaced plates in the open state, then actuates the lever to close the plates around the beam. This preliminary positioning action enables easy installation before the clamping force is applied.
3Productivity
If a lever mechanism is used to reduce spacing between plates for quick installation, then the installation speed increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism is integrated with the rod that connects the two plates, merging the actuation function with the structural connection element. This combination reduces the number of separate components compared to a traditional fastener system while maintaining quick installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves multiple functions: it connects the two plates, transmits the lever actuation force, and provides a pivot point for the lever mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while enabling rapid clamping action.
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
The levered clamp assembly enables rapid installation and modification of sprinkler support assemblies while effectively resisting side, rotational, and torsional forces, ensuring the sprinkler head remains firmly in place during operation.
Implementation Method 1
the lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam
Implementation Method 2
a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod, the lever including a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate
Implementation Method 3
the beam is compressed between the plates, clamping the support structure to the ceiling
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.