Nested Beam Hanger Assembly for Ground-Level Joist Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beam clamp hangers for open web steel joists are time-consuming and unsafe to install, requiring installation from ladders or lifts, and cannot be easily relocated if the fixed location of the hung object changes.

Innovation Solution

A construction hanger with nested clamping frames that allow for adjustable throat distance and secure attachment via an engageable fastener, enabling installation from the ground and relocation without specialized tools or equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional beam clamp hangers are installed one at a time from ladders or lifts, then secure attachment to steel joists is achieved, but installation time increases and safety risks increase due to installer exposure at height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple hanger units into a single assembly that can be installed simultaneously. The nested clamping frames with multiple engagement points allow the entire assembly to be attached to the steel joist in one operation rather than installing individual hangers sequentially, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment through multiple contact points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger assembly is pre-configured with nested clamping frames and engagement points before installation. The adjustability features are built in advance, allowing the assembly to be properly positioned and secured in a single installation action from ground level, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments at height

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional beam clamp hangers are installed from ladders or lifts, then proper installation is achieved, but installer safety deteriorates due to falling risks and exposure at height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidfalling risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a ground-based installation mechanism where the threaded rod and nut assembly act as intermediaries to transfer the installation force from ground level to the overhead hanger assembly. This allows the installer to work safely from the ground while still achieving proper installation of the hanger to the steel joist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the installation dimension from vertical (requiring the installer to be at the same height as the joist) to horizontal (allowing installation from ground level). The extendable threaded rod provides the vertical reach necessary to engage the overhead hanger while the installer remains on the ground, eliminating exposure to falling risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed location hangers are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates when relocation is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrelocation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable elements including the extendable threaded rod and the nested clamping frames that can be repositioned along the joist. This dynamic design allows the hanger to be securely fixed at any desired location while maintaining structural stability through the same reliable clamping mechanism, providing both stability and relocation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual hangers are installed to provide adjustment capability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple adjustment functions into a single integrated assembly. The nested clamping frames with their respective engagement points and the threaded rod mechanism work together as one unit, providing adjustment capability without requiring multiple separate hanger components to be installed and coordinated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single hanger assembly performs multiple functions: it provides structural support through the clamping frames, enables position adjustment through the threaded rod and engagement points, and allows relocation along the joist. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12371894B2Hanger assembly for use on open web steel joists or beams

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 RASMUSSEN MICHAEL ALLEN

AI summary

A construction hanger having two nested clamping frames that slide relative to each other in a disengaged condition to selectively define a throat distance between two stop edges provided by the two nested clamping frames, respectively. An engageable fastener enables a user to set and secure a desired throat distance by way of an engageable fastener that directly connects the two nested clamping frames in an engaged condition. A rod nut may be sandwiched between the two nested clamping frames so that a threaded rod can engage and thereby move the construction hanger to a desired location along a joist or beam.