Threaded Rod Hanger Structure for Fast Overhead Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved devices that can quickly and easily hang threaded rods from overhead structures, particularly for supporting fire sprinkler pipes.

Innovation Solution

A threaded rod hanger that is quickly and easily attachable to an overhead structure, featuring a connector and a threaded rod receiver, allowing for secure attachment and adjustment of the threaded rod's height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional threaded rod hangers are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time is excessive and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidhanger structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is divided into distinct functional segments: an attachment portion with pre-formed holes for rapid fastening to the overhead structure, and a rod receiving portion with a cleanly machined hole for threaded rod insertion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, reducing overall installation complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment portion is pre-configured with holes formed during extrusion, eliminating the need for on-site drilling or complex fastening operations. The rod receiving portion includes a pre-machined clean hole that accepts threaded rods directly, requiring no additional preparation steps. This preliminary preparation of attachment features dramatically reduces installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If additional fastening mechanisms are added to prevent loosening, then reliability improves, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded rod, when inserted into the rod receiving portion, self-secures through its threads engaging with the clean hole. The design eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, washers, or additional fasteners. The threaded rod itself performs the securing function, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If traditional attachment methods are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but clearance issues arise and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidclearance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring clearance for traditional fastening operations (drilling, countersinking, multiple fastener installations), the design inverts the approach by forming attachment holes directly during the extrusion process. This eliminates the need for post-manufacturing clearance operations and allows installation in tight spaces where traditional methods would be impractical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4592537A1Threaded rod hanger

Publication Date: 2025.07.30 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

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AI summary

A threaded rod hanger that is quickly and easily attachable to an overhead structure, that enables a threaded rod to be quickly and easily attached to the threaded rod hanger, and that enables the relative height of the threaded rod to be adjusted after the threaded rod is attached to the threaded rod hanger.