Quick Threaded Rod Locking with Spring Plungers for Overhead Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installers face challenges in assembling pre-fabricated sub-assemblies on ceilings and structures without rotating threaded rods, as conventional beam clamps, anchor bolts, and strut nuts require threading into internal parts, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A quick threaded rod locking device that automatically locks external threads with internal threads on mating parts without requiring rotation, using a mechanism with plunger pieces, a tapered bore, and a spring to secure the threaded rod, allowing for easy assembly and height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional beam clamps, anchor bolts, and strut nuts are used to assemble pre-fabricated sub-assemblies, then the threaded rod must be rotated into internal threads, but this rotation process increases assembly time and labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The internal threads are pre-formed on the plunger pieces before assembly. When the threaded rod is inserted, the plunger pieces are already positioned to engage the rod's external threads immediately, eliminating the need for rotation during assembly. This preliminary preparation of threading surfaces enables quick connection without manual rotation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger pieces automatically engage the threaded rod through their own spring-biased movement. When the rod is inserted, the spring force causes the plunger pieces to move radially inward and self-align with the rod's threads, creating automatic thread engagement without requiring external rotation or manual intervention to align the threading surfaces.
2Loss of time
If the threaded rod is inserted without rotation into the quick locking device, then assembly time is reduced, but a locking mechanism is required to secure the rod without threading
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger pieces are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically respond to the insertion of the threaded rod. The spring-biased plunger pieces can move radially inward upon rod insertion and remain engaged during rotation for height adjustment, then can be released to allow rod removal. This dynamic capability enables quick locking without complex mechanical lockers or additional fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical locking systems (such as separate lock nuts, cotter pins, or complex locking mechanisms) with a spring-biased plunger system. The spring force provides the necessary locking action through simple radial movement of the plunger pieces, substituting complex multi-component mechanical lockers with a simpler elastic force-based system that achieves the same security function.
3Ease of operation
If the plunger pieces are spring-biased to engage the threaded rod automatically, then assembly is simplified, but the spring force must be sufficient to maintain secure engagement under load
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force parameter is optimized to provide sufficient radial inward force on the plunger pieces to ensure strong engagement with the threaded rod under various load conditions. The spring constant, pre-compression, and plunger piece geometry are designed together to achieve the required engagement strength while maintaining automatic engagement capability. This parameter optimization allows the system to simultaneously achieve ease of operation and adequate strength without requiring excessive spring force that would complicate assembly.
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 efficient assembly of pre-fabricated sub-assemblies by eliminating the need for rotating threaded rods, reducing labor costs and simplifying the installation process while maintaining load ratings comparable to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a spring within the tapered bore providing a spring force biasing the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the tapered bore
Implementation Method 2
Contact between the outer surfaces of the plunger pieces and a bore surface at the narrow end of the tapered bore drives the plunger pieces toward one another and toward an axis of the tapered bore
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded rod hanger has quick lock plunger mechanism that includes plunger pieces within a tapered hole in a housing. The plunger pieces have tapered outer surfaces. A spring within the housing presses the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the bore, with the spring located between the plunger pieces and a back plate that closes off part of a wide end of the tapered bore. The plunger pieces have internally threaded surfaces that engage threads on a threaded rod that is inserted into the bore, between the plunger pieces. Once the threaded rod has been inserted between the plunger pieces and released, the plunger pieces are pushed toward the narrow bore end. This causes the plunger pieces to press inward, automatically causing the internal plunger half threads to engage the external threads on the threaded rod.