Spring-Biased Threaded Rod Clamp for Ground-Level Ceiling Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing and maintaining suspended materials in industrial and commercial settings are hazardous and inefficient due to the need for workers to access elevated attachment points, often obstructed by overhead structures and limited space, leading to safety risks and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A spring-biased clamp system for threaded rods that allows for secure attachment from the ground, featuring a load assembly, stop disk, and jaw assembly with a torsion spring, enabling the clamp to be operated and installed without elevating the worker, using a pivoting hinge and jaws that open and close to secure the rod to the ceiling structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional beam clamps are used to secure threaded rods to ceiling structures, then secure attachment is achieved, but workers must access elevated attachment points which creates safety hazards and increases installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a threaded rod as an intermediary element that extends from the ceiling attachment point down to ground level. The clamp assembly attaches to this rod from the ground, eliminating the need for workers to reach elevated points. The threaded rod serves as a mediator that transmits the securing function from the inaccessible ceiling point to the accessible ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clamp system requiring manual tightening at height with a threaded rod system that can be secured from ground level. The threading mechanism allows the clamp to be fastened to the rod using standard tools from the ground, substituting the need for elevated manual operation with a mechanically assisted ground-level operation.
2Ease of operation
If workers use ladders or aerial lifts to reach ceiling attachment points, then installation can proceed, but the complexity and cost of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the ceiling attachment point and ground level operations. By extending the attachment interface down to ground level, the system eliminates the need for complex elevation equipment while maintaining the ability to securely attach to ceiling structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of bringing the worker up to the attachment point (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by bringing the attachment mechanism down to the worker at ground level. The clamp assembly is operated from the ground rather than requiring the worker to be elevated.
3Length of moving object
If ceiling structures are kept tight to overhead or above finished drop-ceiling to maintain clearance, then overhead clearance is maintained, but access to attachment points becomes even more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod serves as a mediator that extends the attachment interface from the restricted ceiling area down to the accessible ground level. This allows the ceiling structure to remain tight to overhead surfaces for clearance purposes while the rod provides an extended access point for installation and maintenance operations.
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 safe and efficient installation of suspended loads from the ground with minimal tools, reducing the risk of accidents and saving time by eliminating the need for elevated access, while providing secure attachment of threaded rods to various structural supports.
Implementation Method 1
a jaw assembly proximate the second end, comprising a first jaw and a second jaw hingedly coupled in opposing relationship, the jaw assembly being configured to travel on the threaded rod
Data Source
AI summary
A spring-biased clamp includes a threaded rod; a load assembly mounted to a first end of the rod; a stop disk mounted to the second end; and a jaw assembly near the second end. The jaw assembly includes opposing jaws hinged together. The jaw assembly travels on the threaded rod. A method of suspending a load includes raising the clamp towards a ceiling structure; applying force to press the first and second jaws against an attachment point, spreading them; advancing the jaws until the torsion spring draws them together; and rotating the threaded rod until the stop disk contacts the attachment point. A weighted load is then attached to the load assembly. Loads can be quickly and safely secured with the clamp to the ceiling structure from the ground without elevating the installer.