Temporary Suspension Element for Single-Operator Structural Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for suspending structures under supports require two operators, posing safety risks and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with heavy or cumbersome structures, and often necessitate complex tool manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A temporary suspension element with a rectilinear guide, transverse pin, and catch mechanism allows a single operator to suspend heavy structures safely and efficiently by using the catch's gravity-activated retaining position to hold the structure in place during permanent attachment installation, without modifying the structure or support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two operators are used to attach a structure under a support, then the structure can be safely held in position during installation, but the operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporary suspension element as an intermediary device between the structure and the support. This element includes a guide with threading at one end that can be screwed into the support, and a catch mechanism that automatically engages to hold the structure in position. The temporary suspension element mediates the attachment process by providing automatic positioning and support, eliminating the need for a second operator to manually hold the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary suspension element incorporates a self-activating catch mechanism that automatically engages to hold the structure in position during attachment. The catch is designed to swing between a guiding position during insertion and a retaining position that automatically locks the structure. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention by a second operator, allowing a single operator to safely perform the attachment operation.
2Reliability
If two operators are used for attachment operations, then the structure can be securely positioned, but the productivity decreases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary suspension element serves as a mediator that automates the positioning function previously requiring human coordination. The guide with threading allows the element to be screwed into the support, while the catch mechanism automatically engages to secure the structure. This intermediary device performs the positioning function that previously required a second operator, thereby improving productivity by eliminating coordination requirements while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism is designed to automatically swing into a retaining position that secures the structure in place during attachment operations. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for a second operator to manually hold or position the structure, thereby improving productivity by reducing the number of personnel required while ensuring reliable secure positioning of the structure.
3Strength
If permanent attachment means are installed immediately, then the structure is permanently secured, but the structure cannot be held in position during installation by other means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first installing the temporary suspension element with its guide and catch mechanism before installing the permanent attachment means. The temporary element is screwed into the support and its catch automatically engages to hold the structure in position. This preliminary positioning action enables the subsequent installation of permanent attachment means (such as screws or welds) to be performed easily and accurately, as the structure is already correctly positioned. After permanent attachment is complete, the temporary suspension element is removed.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the structure is held by manual support during attachment, then the structure remains stable, but the operator safety is compromised due to heavy or cumbersome structures
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary suspension element acts as an intermediary load-bearing device between the heavy structure and the support. The guide with threading allows it to be securely attached to the support, and the catch mechanism automatically engages to bear the weight of the structure. This intermediary device assumes the load and stabilizes the structure during attachment operations, eliminating the need for operators to manually support heavy or cumbersome structures, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with manual handling of heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock, providing self-service stabilization of the heavy structure during attachment operations. Once the temporary suspension element is installed and the structure is positioned, the catch automatically swings into the retaining position, securing the structure without requiring manual intervention. This automatic stabilization eliminates the need for operators to physically support heavy structures, thereby eliminating the safety risks of manual handling while maintaining structural stability throughout the attachment process.
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
Enables single-operator suspension and attachment operations, enhances safety, and reduces operational costs by allowing rapid and inexpensive use of the temporary suspension element, which can be reused and easily removed after permanent attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a catch (3) which rotates around the pin and can swing between a guiding position and a retaining position
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A temporary suspension element (10) comprises a rectilinear guide (1) with a threaded end (1a), and a catch (3) which can swing between a guiding position and a retaining position. The element can temporarily replace screws that attach a structure under a support, during the attachment or disassembly of said structure. The attachment and the disassembly of the structure can then be performed by a single operator.