Spin Hardware for Structural Framing Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting hardware for structural framing members is complex, expensive, and not readily available for public purchase, making it difficult for non-experts to incorporate spinning or rotating framing members in various applications, and it lacks flexibility to support modern building construction requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of a simple, cost-efficient spin hardware that allows rigid structural framing members to pivot, designed for mass production and compatible with heavy loads, featuring precision-welded brackets and industrial bearings for easy installation by DIY users, similar to standard building hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing pivoting hardware is used for structural framing members, then the framing members can pivot and rotate, but the hardware becomes complex, expensive, and difficult to install for non-experts
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism is divided into separate components: a pivot plate attached to one framing member and a pivot bracket with bearing attached to another framing member. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and independently manufacturable, while together they provide the desired pivoting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An industrial bearing is introduced as an intermediary element between the pivot plate and pivot bracket. This bearing simplifies the pivoting mechanism by providing a ready-made, reliable rotating interface that handles the complexity of friction and wear, allowing the overall hardware design to remain simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing pivoting hardware is used for structural framing members, then the framing members can rotate, but the hardware becomes expensive and not readily available for public purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot plate and pivot bracket are designed as universal components that can be used with various types of framing members (wood or metal). The standard industrial bearing is a readily available off-the-shelf component that can be purchased at hardware stores, making the entire assembly easy to manufacture and widely available.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses simple, inexpensive materials and components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The pivot plate and bracket are basic metal pieces that can be fabricated locally, and the bearing is a standard, low-cost component, making the overall system economical and accessible to the public.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing pivoting hardware is used for structural framing members, then the framing members can pivot to variable positions, but the hardware requires high level of knowledge and ability to install
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot plate is attached to one framing member and the pivot bracket to another framing member before assembly. This preliminary attachment simplifies the final assembly process, as the pivoting capability is already built into the components, requiring only simple fastening operations that any DIY user can perform.
Solution Approach 2:
The industrial bearing provides self-lubricating and self-aligning properties that reduce the need for expert installation knowledge. The bearing automatically handles the complexities of friction and alignment, allowing non-experts to install the hardware without requiring specialized skills.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple spin hardware is used for mass production, then the hardware becomes cost-efficient and easy to install, but it must support heavy loads and maintain stability
Solution Approach 1:
The industrial bearing serves as a mediator that handles the heavy loads and complex stress distributions, allowing the pivot plate and bracket to remain simple in design. The bearing is specifically selected to have the required load-bearing capacity, separating the strength requirement from the simplicity of the overall hardware design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware assembly combines different materials and components: metal pivot plate and bracket for structural strength, industrial bearing for load handling and rotation, and wood or metal framing members. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
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
Enables flexible and practical incorporation of rotating structural framing in residential and commercial applications, supporting heavy loads and allowing 'do-it-yourself' installation, making it accessible to a broader audience while maintaining stability and concealability.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom-top bracket is placed on top of the bottom-bottom bracket in such a manner that the pipe sleeve of the bottom-top bracket fits over the pipe sleeve of the bottom-bottom bracket with a smooth fitting industrial bearing in between to allow for smooth spin/rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments of multi-component spin hardware for connecting structural framing members to other structural framing members while allowing desired portions of the framing members to pivot, selectively displacing the framing members to variable positions. The spin hardware generally includes a top bracket, a bottom bracket, and a counter bracket assembly. The spin hardware bracket assemblies can be installed along a vertical axis to provide maximum flexibility and creativity while pivoting structural framing members in any number of configurations.