Suspension Assembly With Movable Securing Member for Fast Stable Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for pipes and cable trays are time-consuming to install due to the need for cutting threaded rods and often lack stability, particularly when using suspending straps.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly with a support member and elongate suspension articles featuring a securing device with movable securing members that can be easily secured through apertures, providing stability and ease of installation by allowing the suspension articles to be inserted and secured in multiple orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If threaded rods are used for suspension, then the suspension system can be assembled, but the installation process becomes time-consuming due to cutting and threading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension rod is segmented into modular sections that can be connected without cutting or threading. Each section has integrated connection features that allow rapid assembly by simply inserting and securing adjacent sections together, eliminating time-consuming rod cutting and threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection features are pre-formed on the suspension rod sections during manufacturing. The rod sections come with pre-cut apertures, pre-formed securing structures, and pre-positioned connection elements, so that during installation only simple insertion and securing actions are needed without any field cutting or threading.
2Ease of operation
If suspending straps are used, then installation is simplified, but the stability of the suspension system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges the simplicity of strap suspension with the stability of rigid rod suspension. A rigid rod structure provides the stability backbone, while integrated strap-like connection elements provide the ease of installation. The connection features combine flexible securing mechanisms with rigid structural support to achieve both ease of installation and system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension rod uses composite construction combining rigid structural elements for stability with flexible securing features for easy installation. The rod may incorporate different materials or structural zones - rigid sections for load-bearing and flexible or movable securing elements for easy attachment and detachment of the suspension articles.
3Reliability
If traditional securing methods are used, then the suspension articles can be attached, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension rod sections have self-securing features where the connection elements automatically engage and lock when adjacent sections are inserted together. The rod sections perform their own securing function without requiring separate fasteners, nuts, bolts, or complex assembly procedures - simply inserting the sections together activates the securing mechanism automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active securing actions (tightening fasteners, threading rods), the design uses passive securing where the connection features automatically engage through the natural insertion motion. The securing action is inverted from an active process to a passive result of the assembly motion itself.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A suspension assembly (10) comprising: a support member (12) for supporting an item; an elongate suspension article (14) defining a securing opening (30); and a securing device (16) on the support member (12). The support member (12) defines an aperture (38) through which the suspension article (14) can be inserted. The securing device (16) has a securing member (68) movable across the aperture (38) between a securing position and a non-securing position. The securing member (68) is receivable through the securing opening (30) in the suspension article (14) to secure the support member (12) to the suspension article (14) when the suspension article (14) is received through the aperture (38) and the securing member (68) is in the securing position.