Tension mount improvements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tension mounts for HVAC systems in buildings are prone to failure during seismic events due to the flammability of cushioning materials, which can lead to the dropping of equipment, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A tension mount assembly comprising rigid, non-flammable structural support elements partially covered with cushioning materials, designed to prevent equipment drop even if the cushioning materials are consumed by fire, utilizing a ball-in-socket mechanism and non-flammable nuts and bolts to secure the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cushioning materials are used between rigid components to absorb shock loads and vibrations during seismic events, then seismic resistance is improved, but the mount becomes flammable and may fail during fire events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using cushioning material only at specific contact regions between rigid components, rather than throughout the entire assembly. The rigid non-flammable components provide structural support and fire resistance, while the locally applied cushioning material provides seismic shock absorption only where contact occurs. This resolves the contradiction by localizing the flammable material to minimal necessary areas while maintaining overall fire safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining rigid non-flammable structural components with cushioning material. The composite structure integrates the fire-resistant properties of rigid materials (such as metal or non-flammable polymer) with the shock-absorbing properties of cushioning material, creating a hybrid assembly that addresses both seismic resistance and fire safety requirements simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid non-flammable structural support elements are used, then fire resistance is improved, but seismic shock absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges rigid non-flammable structural components with cushioning material into a unified mount assembly. The rigid components provide fire resistance and structural integrity, while the cushioning material provides seismic shock absorption. By combining these seemingly contradictory elements into a single integrated assembly, the patent achieves both fire resistance and seismic resistance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-positioning cushioning material at contact regions between rigid components before assembly is complete. This ensures that shock-absorbing capability is built into the structure in advance, allowing the rigid non-flammable components to maintain their fire resistance while the pre-positioned cushioning material provides seismic protection from the outset.
3Reliability
If cushioning material is applied to rigid components, then shock load absorption is improved, but the complexity of manufacturing and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mount into distinct rigid structural components and separately identifying contact regions where cushioning material should be applied. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of rigid components and simplifies the cushioning material application process to specific predefined areas, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining shock absorption effectiveness.
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 assembly effectively withstands seismic events and fire by maintaining equipment suspension, ensuring safety and stability without failing, despite potential material degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the use of cushioning or resilient materials between rigid components, to aid with the absorption of the shock loads and vibrations associated with seismic events
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a ball-in-socket mechanism and non-flammable nuts and bolts to secure the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a tension or hanging mount for engineering services, including but not limited to components of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. In one aspect, the tension mount comprises at least a base portion and a mount portion which depends from the base portion by hanging, wherein each of the base portion and the mount portion comprise a substantially rigid, non-flammable structural support element, and wherein at least one of these substantially rigid, non-flammable structural support elements is at least partially covered in a cushioning material in regions at or near to where the base portion and the mount portion are in contact with each other, and wherein in use, the mount portion is not dropped by the base portion even if the cushioning materials are consumed by a fire.