Pivot Channel Nut Assembly for Single-Person Strut Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trapeze type support systems for pipes and electrical cables are difficult and time-consuming to install, often requiring two installers due to complex coupling mechanisms and strut member lengths, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A pivot nut and retainer assembly that can be installed into an open channel of a strut member, allowing the pivot nut to move between horizontal and vertical positions, with embossments providing locking force and tension elements applying spring force to retain the assembly in place, enabling single-person installation and adjustable threaded rod positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coupling devices and methods are used to connect threaded rods to strut members, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring at least two installers
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into modular components: a channel nut that fits into the strut member's open channel, a retainer with grooves that receives the channel nut, and a pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and easier to install while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the channel nut and the strut member. It simplifies the connection by providing a retention mechanism that secures the channel nut in place without requiring complex coupling devices, enabling single-person installation.
2Productivity
If traditional strut member lengths are used, then structural support is adequate, but installation time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The channel nut incorporates a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a first position (where the first bore is horizontally aligned) and a second position (where the first bore is vertically aligned). This dynamic capability enables flexible positioning of threaded rods during installation, reducing installation time and allowing single-person operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot nut allows movement between horizontal and vertical positions, then threaded rod positioning becomes adjustable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism is nested within the channel nut structure. The retainer with its grooves receives the channel nut and provides the pivot axis, creating a compact nested arrangement that enables position adjustability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 assembly simplifies the installation process by allowing single-person setup and adjustable rod positioning, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more embossments and the body of the pivot nut apply a locking force between opposing contact surfaces in the open channel when moving between the first position and the second position to retain the pivot nut in the second position
Implementation Method 2
The first tension element and the second tension element are configured to apply a spring force between opposing interior surfaces of the open channel of the strut member to retain a position of the retainer and the pivot nut in a longitudinal direction in the strut member
Implementation Method 3
The threaded rod is configured to couple to the pivot nut by engaging one or more threads at the first bore and a position of the threaded rod is adjustable in an axial direction by threading the threaded rod in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the first bore
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a pivot nut including a first bore, a first pivot member, a second pivot member opposite the first pivot member, and one or more embossments. The first pivot member and the second pivot member define a pivot axis. A device may include a retainer including a first portion, a second portion, a central portion, a first groove at the first portion, and a second groove at the second portion. The first portion and the second portion perpendicularly extend from opposing sides of the central portion in a common direction. The first pivot member extends into the first groove and the second pivot member extends into the second groove and the pivot nut is configured to move about the pivot axis to move the first bore between a first horizontally aligned position and a second vertically aligned position.