Strut Channel Fitting with Rotational Coupling and Anti-Rotation Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching multiple strut channel pieces, such as welding, are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A fitting system with a coupling component and anti-rotation plate that allows for rotational connection and locking of strut pieces, enabling efficient and cost-effective attachment without the need for welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to attach multiple pieces of strut, then strong connections are achieved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a fitting with coupling portions that receive strut pieces, and a separate fastening mechanism. This allows pre-assembly of coupling portions with struts, then quick fastening without time-consuming welding operations while maintaining connection strength through the multi-component mechanical fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting acts as an intermediary component between multiple strut pieces, providing a mechanical coupling mechanism that eliminates the need for direct welding between struts. The coupling portions and fastening mechanism serve as mediators that achieve strong connections through standardized mechanical interfaces rather than thermal processes.
2Strength
If welding is used to attach multiple pieces of strut, then secure connections are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting components are designed as economical, replaceable parts that can be manufactured through standard molding or fabrication processes. Rather than expensive welding operations requiring skilled labor and equipment, the mechanical fastening system uses cost-effective components that can be produced and assembled through simpler, less costly manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding mechanical system (thermal energy input, skilled labor, specialized equipment) with a mechanical fastening system using coupling portions and fasteners. This substitution eliminates costly welding operations while achieving equivalent or superior connection strength through mechanical interlocking and fastening mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If coupling portions are made rotatable for easy installation, then ease of operation improves, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portions are designed with rotational capability during the installation phase, allowing dynamic adjustment and easy positioning of strut pieces. Once installed, the fastening mechanism transitions the connection from a dynamic (rotatable) state to a static (locked) state, ensuring connection stability. The system exploits controlled dynamics during installation then eliminates it for operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portions are pre-configured with rotational freedom to facilitate easy installation and positioning of strut pieces. Before final fastening, the rotatable coupling portions allow preliminary alignment and adjustment. Once positioned correctly, the fastening mechanism is applied to lock the connection, converting the temporarily rotatable state into a stable, fixed connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for connecting first and second pieces of strut to one another includes a coupling component. The coupling component has first and second coupling portions configured for reception in respective fitting grooves of the first and second pieces of strut when the coupling component is in a first orientation. Each of the coupling portions are rotatable within the respective fitting grooves from the first orientation to a second orientation to connect the first and second pieces of strut to one another. An anti-rotation plate is connected to the coupling component. The anti-rotation plate has an unlocked position relative to the coupling component to allow the first and second coupling portions to be received in the respective fitting grooves, and a locked position relative to the coupling component to inhibit rotation of each of the first and second coupling portions from the second orientation to the first orientation.