Threaded Rod Quick-Lock Plunger Mechanism for No-Rotation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installers face challenges in assembling pre-fabricated sub-assemblies on ceilings and structures without rotating threaded rods, as conventional methods require threading rods into internal threads on beam clamps, anchor bolts, and strut nuts, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A quick threaded rod locking device that automatically locks external threads with internal threads on mating parts, allowing for secure assembly without rotating the threaded rod, and enabling height adjustment by rotating the rod, using a mechanism with plunger pieces, a tapered bore, and a spring for biasing the plunger pieces to engage the rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional beam clamps, anchor bolts, and strut nuts are used to assemble pre-fabricated sub-assemblies, then the threaded rod can be securely locked, but the assembly process requires rotating the threaded rod into internal threads which is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The internal threads are pre-formed on the plunger pieces before assembly. When the threaded rod is inserted, the plunger pieces are already positioned to engage with the rod's external threads, eliminating the need for rotation during assembly. This preliminary preparation of threading surfaces directly addresses the contradiction by enabling secure locking without labor-intensive rotating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger pieces automatically engage with the threaded rod through their own spring-biased movement. When the rod is inserted, the springs cause the plunger pieces to move outward and self-align with the external threads, then automatically thread onto the rod without external assistance or rotation. This self-servicing mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the locking action automatic rather than requiring manual rotation.
2Loss of time
If the threaded rod is inserted without rotation into the quick locking device, then assembly time is reduced, but the locking mechanism must be more complex to achieve secure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two separate plunger pieces that can move independently within the housing. Each plunger piece has its own spring and threading surface, allowing them to be inserted separately and engage with the threaded rod independently. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single moving part while achieving secure locking through the combined action of multiple simpler components.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger pieces are designed to be dynamic rather than static, moving outward under spring pressure when the threaded rod is inserted. This dynamic movement allows the plungers to self-align and engage with the rod's threads automatically during insertion, eliminating the need for rotation. The dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by using motion inherent to the insertion process itself to achieve locking.
3Reliability
If the plunger pieces are spring-biased to move outward for automatic engagement, then the locking is more secure, but the spring force must be carefully controlled to avoid derailing or excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The outer surfaces of the plunger pieces are formed with curved or spherical contact surfaces that match the curvature of the threaded rod. This spherical geometry ensures that the spring force is distributed evenly and directs the plungers to self-align with the rod's axis during insertion. The curved surfaces prevent derailment by guiding the plungers into proper engagement, resolving the contradiction by using geometric form to control force distribution and prevent excessive or misdirected spring action.
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 labor savings and allowing for secure locking and rotation of the rods, suitable for both electrical and mechanical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring within the tapered bore providing a 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. The plunger piece outer surfaces may be sloped.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded rod hanger has quick lock plunger mechanism that includes plunger pieces within a tapered bore 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. The plunger pieces have internally threaded surfaces that engage threads on a threaded rod that is inserted into the bore, between the plunger pieces. 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, automatically causing the internal plunger half threads to engage the external threads on the threaded rod.