Quick Threaded Rod Locking Device with Plunger Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Installers face challenges in assembling pre-fabricated sub-assemblies on ceilings and structures without rotating threaded rods, as conventional locking devices require threading into internal threads, which is not feasible with pre-fabricated parts.
Innovation Solution
A quick threaded rod locking device with plunger pieces and a tapered bore mechanism that allows external threads to automatically engage with internal threads without rotating the threaded rod, enabling easy assembly and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional beam clamps, anchor bolts, and strut nuts are used to lock threaded rods, then the threaded rods can be securely locked, but the threaded rods must be rotated into internal threads which is not feasible with pre-fabricated sub-assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the threaded rod into internal threads as in conventional devices, the invention inverts the approach by having the threaded rod push plunger pieces outward through a tapered bore, causing the plunger pieces to engage the rod's threads automatically without rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger pieces are spring-biased and automatically engage the threaded rod's external threads when the rod is inserted, eliminating the need for manual threading operations. The system self-locks through the spring force pushing the plungers against the tapered bore surfaces
2Productivity
If pre-fabricated sub-assemblies are used to maximize installation labor savings, then installation time is reduced, but the threaded rods cannot be assembled without rotating them unless the sub-assemblies are disassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The quick lock mechanism is pre-configured in the sub-assemblies with spring-biased plunger pieces ready to engage. When the threaded rod is inserted, the mechanism automatically performs the locking action without requiring subsequent rotation or adjustment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention eliminates the conventional rotation-based assembly operation by using a push-based mechanism where the threaded rod itself activates the locking action through the tapered bore, allowing pre-fabricated sub-assemblies to remain intact during installation
3Ease of operation
If a quick lock plunger mechanism with tapered bore is used, then the threaded rod can be automatically locked without rotation, but the mechanism requires plunger pieces, spring, and tapered bore components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased plunger pieces automatically engage and lock the threaded rod without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms. The system uses the insertion force itself to activate the locking action through the tapered bore geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate plunger pieces that can be manufactured independently and assembled into the housing, allowing for simplified production and maintenance while achieving the quick lock function
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 efficient assembly and adjustment of threaded rods without disassembling pre-fabricated sub-assemblies, providing the same load rating as conventional devices and allowing for height adjustment by rotating the threaded rod.
Implementation Method 1
A spring within the tapered bore provides spring force biasing the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the tapered bore
Implementation Method 2
Contact between the outer surfaces of the plunger pieces and a bore surface at the narrow end of the tapered bore drives the plunger pieces toward one another and toward an axis of the tapered bore
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~11
AI summary
A threaded rod hanger has quick lock plunger mechanism that includes plunger pieces within a tapered hole in a housing. The plunger pieces have tapered outer surfaces. A spring within the housing presses the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the bore, with the spring located between the plunger pieces and a back plate that closes off part of a wide end of the tapered bore. Once the threaded rod has been inserted between the plunger pieces and released, the plunger pieces are pushed toward the narrow bore end. This causes the plunger pieces to press inward, engaging the plunger pieces with external threads on the threaded rod. The housing is slidable relative to an attachment of the securement, for securing the securement to an additional object.