Spring Retainer Clip for Column Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Securing angle strips and wallboard around columns and beams is difficult and time-consuming, especially when meeting fireproofing standards, as existing methods require screws that protrude and complicate the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A metal clip with a base section and a flexible spring retainer that holds onto the column or beam, combined with foldout clips to secure angle strips and screws through the wallboard and angle strips into the clip for attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If angle strips are secured to clips by screws, then the angle strips can be firmly attached to the column or beam, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming and requires additional work by installers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a spring retainer system that uses elastic deformation and friction. The spring retainer extends and contracts to clamp the angle strip against the column or beam, eliminating the need for screws and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring retainer is designed to automatically secure the angle strip in place through its elastic properties. Once the angle strip is positioned, the spring retainer's inherent elasticity provides continuous clamping force without requiring additional fastening operations, making the attachment process self-completing and eliminating manual screw installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If screws are used to secure angle strips, then firm attachment is achieved, but screw heads protrude and complicate the wallboard installation process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidwallboard installation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring retainer system replaces protruding screw heads with a low-profile elastic clamping mechanism. The spring retainer sits flush against the column or beam surface, providing secure attachment without creating protruding elements that would interfere with wallboard installation and finishing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring retainer is designed as a single-use, non-reusable component that is discarded after installation. This disposable approach eliminates the need to manage protruding screw heads during wallboard installation, as the entire attachment mechanism is removed along with the angle strip, simplifying the wallboard installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional attachment methods are used, then angle strips can be secured, but the process is difficult to manage and requires more work by installers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring retainer automatically secures the angle strip through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for manual screw installation and positioning. The installer simply positions the angle strip, and the spring retainer's inherent elasticity provides continuous clamping force, making the process self-completing and significantly easier to manage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring retainer utilizes changes in elastic parameters (extension and contraction) to provide secure attachment. By varying the spring constant and initial tension, the system can be adjusted to provide appropriate clamping force for different angle strip and column/beam combinations, ensuring reliable attachment while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 and secure attachment of angle strips and wallboard around columns and beams, reducing installation time and avoiding screw protrusions, thus simplifying the process while meeting fireproofing standards.

Implementation Method 1

The spring retainer is at least slightly flexible such that a portion, such as a flange, of a column or beam can be inserted between the base section and the spring retainer. The spring retainer will supply sufficient force against the portion of the column or beam so as to maintain the metal clip on the column or beam.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8132383B1Clip for attaching to column or beam

Publication Date: 2012.03.13 THE STEEL NETWORK

AI summary

A metal clip is provided for facilitating the attachment of metal strips and wallboard to columns and beams. The metal clip includes a base section and a spring retainer extending from the base section. A portion of a column or beam, such as flange, can be inserted between the spring retainer and the base section and the spring retainer will exert sufficient force on the column or beam to hold the metal clip in place. A pair of foldout clips is formed on exterior surfaces of the metal clip for receiving and holding angle strips. Wallboard can be secured exteriorly of the metal clips and angle strips by screws that extend through the wallboard, through the angle strips and into the respective metal clips.