Suspension Assembly Latch Mechanism for Rapid Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension systems for suspending articles like pipes and cable trays from ceilings are time-consuming due to the need for cutting and screwing threaded rods, and require articles to be fed through systems, which can be labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A suspension assembly comprising a support member with an aperture and a securing arrangement that includes a latch member, allowing for quick attachment and detachment of the support member to a suspension member using a latch mechanism, reducing the need for cutting rods and facilitating side loading of articles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded rods are used for suspension, then the suspension system provides structural support, but the installation process becomes time-consuming due to cutting and screwing operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is divided into separate modular components: a support member with aperture, a suspension member, and a latch member. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for on-site cutting and threading operations while maintaining structural integrity through the latch connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member and suspension member are prepared in advance with pre-formed apertures and attachment features. The latch member is designed to engage these pre-prepared features, allowing rapid assembly without requiring preliminary cutting, drilling, or threading operations during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional suspension systems are used, then articles can be suspended, but the installation requires articles to be fed through the system which is labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of feeding articles through the suspension system from below, the support member is designed with an aperture that receives the suspension member from above. The latch member then secures the support member to the suspension member, inverting the traditional installation sequence and allowing articles to be attached to the support member without being fed through the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If multiple fixing components are used for secure attachment, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the securing mechanism, the engagement feature, and the release mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate fixing components needed while maintaining strong connection through the unified latch design that engages with both the support member and suspension member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11396959B2Suspension assembly

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 GRIPPLE LTD

AI summary

A suspension assembly (10) comprises a support member (12), an elongate suspension member (14), and a securing arrangement. The support member (12) defines a central aperture (20) for receiving the suspension member (14) therethrough. The suspension member (14) defines a latching opening. The securing arrangement includes a latch member receivable through the latching opening in the suspension member (14) to secure the support member (12) to the suspension member (14).