Rotating Hanger Support for Truss and Strut Channel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hanger support systems for hanging pipes, conduits, and cables from trusses and joists are cumbersome to install, particularly when securing the hanger to the support structure, and often apply excessive torque to the horizontal flanges, which can lead to instability.
Innovation Solution
A T-shaped hanger support with a stem and lateral arms, featuring abutment features and a bore, is designed to fit within the gap between angle irons, allowing for secure attachment without excessive torque, using a combination of radial abutment features and rotational locking mechanisms to prevent hanger rotation, and optionally incorporating magnets or set screws for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clamping devices are used to attach hangers to support structures, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger support is divided into distinct functional segments: a T-shaped body with stem and arms for positioning, a separate clamping mechanism with adjustable clamp, and mounting hardware. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be simplified while the clamping function remains secure, enabling easier installation without compromising attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped hanger support body is designed with pre-formed stem and arms that automatically position the support at the correct location and orientation on the support structure. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during installation, making the process simpler while ensuring secure attachment through the subsequent clamping action.
2Productivity
If hangers are secured at the same time the clamping device is attached to the support structure, then installation efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the installation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the positioning function (T-shaped body with stem and arms) from the clamping function (adjustable clamp mechanism). This allows the hanger to be positioned and secured in a single streamlined operation, improving productivity without increasing installation complexity, as each component has a dedicated function that simplifies the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped hanger support body automatically positions itself on the support structure through its geometric design, eliminating the need for complex alignment tools or procedures. The clamp then simply needs to be engaged to secure the positioned hanger, enabling efficient one-step installation without increasing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If excessive torque is applied to horizontal flanges during hanger attachment, then secure fixation is achieved, but instability and potential damage to the support structure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is concentrated locally at the clamp contact points on the support structure, rather than being distributed across the horizontal flanges. This localized clamping action achieves secure fixation without applying excessive torque to the flanges, maintaining the stability and integrity of the support structure while ensuring reliable hanger attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped hanger support body acts as an intermediary between the hanger and the support structure. It transfers and distributes loads through its stem and arms to the support structure in a manner that avoids concentrated torque on the horizontal flanges, achieving secure fixation while preserving structural stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hanger support width is reduced to fit within the gap between angle irons, then adaptability to existing structures is improved, but the structural strength of the hanger support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The T-shaped hanger support concentrates its structural strength in critical areas: the stem for vertical loading and the arms for lateral stability. By optimizing the local geometry and material distribution in these load-bearing regions, the hanger maintains sufficient strength despite the reduced overall width required to fit within the gap between angle irons, achieving both adaptability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger support derives its strength not from its width alone, but from its three-dimensional T-shaped configuration. The vertical stem and lateral arms create a rigid spatial structure that provides adequate load-bearing capacity even with reduced width, allowing the hanger to fit within the gap between angle irons while maintaining necessary structural strength through its dimensional geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger support for use in association with a strut channel or with truss or joists formed from pairs of angle irons includes a stem and arms extending outward from the stem with a hole extending through the stem to receive a threaded rod or bolt. The hanger support is sized to pass lengthwise through the gap between pairs of angle irons of the truss and then rotated ninety degrees so that the arms are supported on the angle irons with the threaded rod or bolt extending through the gap and below the angle irons to support a hanger. The stem is also sized to fit in the space between shoulders of a strut channel. A second embodiment includes a lip depending from one of the arms to form a groove between the lip and stem with a set screw secured within a threaded bore in the lip.