Flexible Metal Deck Hanger for Seismic Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hanging loads from metal decking are noisy, cause vibrations, and can damage the decking during seismic events, especially when drilling through metal and concrete, and are not suitable for retrofitting or non-horizontal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible hanger system that fits within the troughs of corrugated metal decking, using a body that can be flexed to fit between grooves, with a load support assembly and a rod system for secure attachment, allowing for close spacing and seismic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drilling holes through metal decking and concrete to install hangers, then hangers can be securely attached to support loads, but the process generates noise and vibrations that disturb occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful drilling operation from the attachment process. Instead of drilling through metal decking and concrete, the system uses a hanger that clips onto the metal decking from below, eliminating the need for holes and the associated noise and vibration while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger body acts as an intermediary element that connects the load to the metal decking without requiring direct penetration. The hanger engages with the decking profile through its flutes and ribs, providing a secure connection that avoids the harmful effects of drilling through multiple material layers.
2Ease of manufacture
If drilling holes through metal decking and concrete, then hangers can be installed, but the concrete strength is reduced and anchors must be spaced farther apart
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the drilling operation entirely, extracting the harmful effect on concrete strength. The hanger attaches to the metal decking profile without penetrating the concrete, thereby preserving concrete integrity and allowing closer spacing of anchors while simplifying installation.
3Strength
If using rigid hangers attached through drilling, then loads can be supported, but the decking may be damaged during seismic events
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger incorporates a flexible element that allows dynamic movement during seismic events. This flexibility enables the hanger to accommodate structural movements without rigid connection failure, maintaining load support capacity while preventing damage to the decking during earthquakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger changes its mechanical parameters from rigid to flexible in response to seismic forces. The flexible element allows the hanger to deform elastically during seismic events, absorbing energy and preventing catastrophic failure while maintaining its load-bearing function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If using traditional drilling and anchoring methods, then hangers can be attached to horizontal surfaces, but the method is not suitable for retrofitting or non-horizontal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger is designed with universal adaptability to attach to metal decking regardless of surface orientation or retrofit requirements. The clipping mechanism works on various surface types and orientations without requiring modification to the attachment process, simplifying installation while expanding applicability to retrofitting and non-horizontal surfaces.
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 solution reduces noise and vibration, supports loads effectively without damaging the decking, and allows for easy attachment on both horizontal and non-horizontal surfaces, enhancing structural integrity during seismic events.
Implementation Method 1
the body is flexible and has an unflexed distance between a first end and a second end that is greater than the groove spacing... flexing the body to decrease the distance between the first end and the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a hanger for supporting a load from an underside of a metal decking is described. The metal decking has a trough with a first groove opposing a second groove, and the hanger includes a flexible body which has an unflexed length that is greater than the groove spacing and is adapted to accept a load from a rod, cable, or wire. The method includes inserting the load support assembly through the aperture; contacting the first end of the body with the first groove of the metal decking; flexing the body to decrease the distance between the first end and the second end to a distance equal to or less than the groove spacing; and contacting the second end of the flexible body with the second groove of the metal decking. The body supports the load support assembly between the first groove and the second groove, and such that the load support assembly is movable relative to the flexible body.