Purlin Clip Assembly for Hanging Loads Without Ceiling Punctures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hanging items from metal building roofs are inefficient, as they often rely on puncturing the ceiling fabric or using the weakest purlin flanges, which can violate building codes and fail to provide sufficient insulation, especially for high R-value requirements.
Innovation Solution
A weight-bearing system that includes a purlin with span apertures and clips that attach to the purlin's vertical span, allowing for secure hanging of items without excessive weight on flanges and minimizing fabric punctures, using fasteners that contact the fabric ceiling to distribute weight effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-tapping screws are driven into the roof structure through punctured fabric ceiling, then items can be hung from the ceiling, but the fabric ceiling is damaged and building codes may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
A purlin-mounted clip assembly serves as an intermediary device between the roof structure and hanging items. The clip assembly includes a mounting plate attached to the purlin web and a downwardly extending tab that provides a secure attachment point for hanging items, eliminating the need to puncture the fabric ceiling or use flange self-tapping screws
Solution Approach 2:
The clip assembly is divided into separate functional components: a mounting plate for attachment to the purlin web, a tab for hanging items, and positioning features. This segmentation allows the system to address multiple problems simultaneously - providing secure attachment while preserving the fabric ceiling and complying with building codes
2Ease of operation
If items are hung from purlin flanges, then hanging is simplified, but the weakest point of the roof structure is overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly acts as an intermediary that transfers loads from hanging items to the purlin web rather than the flanges. The mounting plate attaches to the strong vertical web of the purlin, while the tab provides the hanging interface, effectively mediating between the user's need for easy attachment and the structural requirement to avoid overloading weak points
Solution Approach 2:
The clip assembly concentrates the attachment function at a specific location (the tab) while distributing the structural load to a stronger location (the purlin web). This local quality differentiation allows the system to provide easy hanging operation at one point while maintaining structural integrity by utilizing the stronger portion of the purlin
3Temperature
If excessive insulation thickness is added to achieve high R-values, then thermal performance improves, but the roof structure becomes unworkable or disadvantageous
Solution Approach 1:
The clip assembly enables insulation installation in a different dimensional arrangement by providing attachment points that extend downward from the purlin web. This allows insulation boards to be positioned and secured in a manner that optimizes thermal performance while maintaining structural workability, as the clip assembly creates a three-dimensional attachment system rather than relying solely on flat surface mounting
Data Source
AI summary
A weight-bearing system for hanging items from the roof structure of a metal building is disclosed. The system includes a purlin with at least one flange, a span aperture in the vertical span of the purlin, a clip that attaches to the purlin using the span aperture, and a fastener on the clip for transferring weight applied to the fastener to the clip and to the vertical span of said purlin.