Rotatable Beam Clamp for Sloped Ceiling Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectors for coupling channel members and beams require threaded rod mounting, increasing component cost and assembly complexity, especially when dealing with sloped beams.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable beam connector with channel supports and beam supports that include openings for a rotatable member, allowing for rotation about a central axis, enabling secure attachment to sloped beams without the need for threaded rods, using serrations and set screws for enhanced stability and load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded rod mounting is used to couple channel members and beams, then the connection can be achieved, but component cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded rod mounting component from the connector design, replacing it with a direct clamp mechanism that attaches channel members to beams without requiring separate threaded rods, washers, and nuts. This extraction of the threaded rod subsystem reduces both component cost and assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the clamp's direct gripping action on the beam flange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of attachment and adjustment into a single integrated clamp assembly. The channel support and beam support are merged into one component that simultaneously provides structural connection and rotational adjustment capability, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Reliability
If threaded rod mounting is used, then connection can be achieved, but component cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive threaded rod mounting hardware from the bill of materials, replacing it with a simpler clamp construction that uses fewer and less costly components. The removal of threaded rods, washers, and nuts directly reduces component cost while the integrated clamp design maintains reliable connection through its clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more cost-effective clamp design that achieves the required connection reliability without expensive threaded fastening systems. The clamp uses basic structural elements and simple fasteners instead of precision-threaded rods and matching nuts, reducing overall component cost while maintaining adequate connection stability for the application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotation capability is added to accommodate sloped beams, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotatable joint between the channel support and beam support that allows the connector to dynamically adjust to different beam slopes. The rotation capability is integrated into the clamp structure itself, enabling adaptability to various installation angles without adding separate adjustment mechanisms or increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the clamp assembly to perform multiple functions: structural attachment, rotational adjustment for slope accommodation, and load transmission. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional component rather than separate parts, the patent achieves high adaptability to different beam configurations without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a support assembly including a set of channel supports directly coupled to a channel member, wherein each of the set of channel supports may include an opening receiving a rotatable member. The rotatable member may extend between each of the set of channel supports. The support assembly may further include a set of beam supports directly coupled to a beam, wherein each of the set of beam supports may engage an upper surface of a flange of the beam. Each of the set of beam supports may include an opening receiving the rotatable member, wherein the rotatable member extends between each of the set of beam supports. In some embodiments, the set of channel supports and the set of beam supports are rotatable relative to one another about a central axis of rotation extending through the rotatable member.