Swivel Anchor Assembly for Fast Overhead Suspension Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anchor assemblies for hanging or suspending components in industrial or commercial settings are labor-intensive to install, limited in angular movement, and prone to structural fatigue due to non-plumb hanger rods, which restrict their application and increase installation time.
Innovation Solution
A new anchor assembly featuring an externally threaded screw with an axially collapsible, radially expandable rivet-type anchor and a slotted nut member allowing 0-90° or 0-180° pivotal movement, along with alternative embodiments incorporating drill points, cables, bail members, and hoop link members for enhanced flexibility and positional restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional anchor structures with fixed positioning are used, then installation simplicity is maintained, but angular range of movement is limited and structural fatigue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly incorporates a dynamic joint mechanism that allows the hanger rod to pivot and rotate relative to the mounting surface. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various angular positions and accommodate structural movements, providing up to 180 degrees of angular range of movement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a mounting plate for attachment to the surface, a joint mechanism for angular adjustment, and a hanger rod for supporting the load. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling complex angular movement capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional multi-step installation procedures are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation time and labor are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate and joint mechanism are integrated into a single assembled unit that functions as one component during installation. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps in the field, allowing the entire mounting assembly to be installed in a single operation while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated design of the mounting plate and joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint mechanism and hanger rod are pre-assembled and configured during manufacturing before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary action ensures that the mounting assembly is ready for immediate installation without requiring complex field assembly, thereby increasing installation speed while maintaining mounting security through factory-quality assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed-position anchor systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but moment arms and torque increase causing structural fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism provides dynamic angular adjustment capability that allows the hanger rod to pivot and rotate to optimal positions. This reduces moment arms and torque on the mounting surface by enabling the system to adapt to structural movements and optimize load distribution, thereby reducing structural fatigue while maintaining angular adjustment capability.
4Ease of operation
If complex restraint systems are used, then positional restraint is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides angular adjustment, positional restraint, and load support within a single integrated component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate restraint mechanisms, thereby achieving positional restraint capability while maintaining ease of installation and avoiding increased device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The anchor assembly enables quick and easy installation with a wide range of movement, reducing structural fatigue and enhancing the ability to accommodate various spatial requirements, while also providing positional restraint for suspended components.
Implementation Method 1
an internally threaded, axially collapsible nut-type rivet threadedly engaged upon the externally threaded screw fastener such that when the externally threaded screw fastener is rotated relative to the internally threaded, axially collapsible nut-type rivet anchor member, the internally threaded, axially collapsible nut-type rivet anchor member will collapse axially with respect to the externally threaded screw fastener, and expand radially outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor assembly structured for use in connection with ceiling or roofing structures for hanging industrial or commercial components, such as, for example, electrical conduits, heating units, water pipes for automatic water sprinkler systems, and the like. The anchor assembly is easy and quick to install, and also provides enhanced swivel capabilities or angular ranges of movement so as to accommodate various system and spatial requirements in connection with the suspension of the components. Suspension and lateral restraint systems are also disclosed.