Sprinkler Support Frame Bracket With Lever-Locking Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler support frame coupling devices using elastic members for installation are prone to misalignment and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for complex side frame structures, which hinder efficient and cost-effective mass production.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler support frame coupling device featuring a bracket with locking projections and a lever mechanism that allows for simple and secure fitting to a support frame, utilizing a lever with a folding and pressing portion to engage a locking member with a support frame projection, eliminating the need for complex side frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic members are used for coupling the bracket to the support frame, then the installation work becomes easier, but the elastic members may escape from the locking projections reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to transition between two dynamic states: an unlocked state where the pressing portion is elevated and allows bracket installation, and a locked state where the lever is pushed down to engage the locking projection. This dynamic mechanism provides both ease of installation and secure locking without the reliability issues of elastic members.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is designed to be self-latching through its geometric configuration. When the lever is pushed down, the folding portion engages with the locking projection, automatically maintaining the locked state without requiring additional components or continuous force application.
2Strength
If complex side frame structures are used with locking projections, then the coupling strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: the bracket body, the lever mechanism, and the locking projection. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard extrusion processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining coupling strength through the integrated locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire side frame complex to achieve locking, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple lever mechanism that engages with a locking projection. The complexity is minimized in the main structure while the locking function is achieved through the clever design of the lever and projection interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both side frame and bracket are made as separate components, then the adaptability is improved, but the productivity decreases due to lower mass production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design incorporates universal features that allow it to function in multiple configurations. The lever mechanism and locking projection can accommodate different support frame variations, while the through holes allow for different pipe orientations. This universality enables mass production of a single bracket design that adapts to various installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the side frame and bracket into a unified bracket structure that directly couples to the support frame. This integration eliminates the need for separate side frame components, simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling more efficient mass production while maintaining the necessary adaptability through the lever locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler support frame coupling device that is capable of allowing a horizontal bar having a square section so as to install a sprinkler thereon to be simply and firmly fitted to a support frame mounted on a ceiling. The sprinkler support frame coupling device is configured to allow a lever of a bracket to be pushed by a user's hand so that the bracket is firmly coupled to a support frame.