Suspension Assembly Cartridge for Fast Threaded Rod Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for suspending pipes and cable trays from roofs or ceilings using threaded rods are time-consuming due to the need to attach support members with nuts, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A connecting apparatus featuring a cartridge with a fastening arrangement that includes a movable holding component with cooperating formations, allowing for quick attachment and release of elongate suspension members, eliminating the need for nuts and washers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nuts are used to attach support members to threaded rods, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support member and fastening mechanism into a single integrated cartridge assembly. The holding component with cooperating formations is built into the support member structure, eliminating the need for separate nuts and washers. This merging of components allows rapid attachment by simply inserting the elongate member through the holding component, while maintaining secure connection through the integrated fastening arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening arrangement is segmented into distinct functional elements: the holding component with cooperating formations, the through hole with holding and release regions, and the movable mechanism. This segmentation allows the elongate member to be quickly inserted and secured without complex fastening operations, reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connection through the specialized holding formations.
2Strength
If multiple components (nuts, washers, fasteners) are used for secure attachment, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening components (nuts, washers, fasteners) are merged into a single integrated cartridge assembly with a built-in holding component. The support member incorporates the fastening mechanism directly, reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining adequate connection strength through the designed cooperating formations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, incorporates the fastening mechanism, and includes the holding component for securing the elongate member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate nuts, washers, and fasteners, simplifying the overall device while maintaining connection strength.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods with multiple components are used, then the connection is secure, but the ease of operation and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support member and fastening mechanism are merged into one cartridge assembly, allowing the installer to perform both support and fastening operations with a single component. This eliminates the need for separate fastening steps, improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable connection through the integrated holding component.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is pre-configured in the cartridge assembly with the holding component and cooperating formations already in position. When the elongate member is inserted, the fastening action occurs automatically through the pre-designed holding and release regions, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and simplifying installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting apparatus comprises a support member (12) and a fastening arrangement (24) to secure the support member (12) to an elongate member (14). The fastening arrangement (24) comprises a holding component (26) for holding the elongate member (14). The holding component (26) defines a through hole (28) for receiving the elongate member (14) through the holding component (26). The through hole (28) has a holding region (36) and a release region (38). The holding component (26) has cooperating formations at the holding region (36) to cooperate with corresponding formations on the elongate member (14). The holding component (26) is movable relative to the support member (12) between a holding position and a released position. In the holding position, the elongate member (14) can be received in the holding region (36), and the cooperating formations of the holding component (26) cooperate with the corresponding formations of the elongate member (14) to fasten the elongate member (14) to the holding component (26). In the released position, the elongate member (14) can be received in the release region (38), thereby allowing the elongate member (14) to be released from the holding component (26).