Threaded Rod Locking Mechanism for Non-Rotating Quick 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 locking devices require disassembly to engage internal threads, leading to inefficiencies in installation labor and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a housing with a tapered bore and spring-biased plunger pieces that automatically engage and lock threaded rods, allowing for quick locking and height adjustment without requiring rod rotation, utilizing a spring to bias the plunger pieces towards the narrow end of the bore, enabling secure engagement and disengagement of the rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional locking devices (beam clamps, anchor bolts, strut nuts) are used to secure threaded rods, then the threaded rod can be locked, but the threaded rod must be rotated into internal threads which requires disassembly of pre-fabricated sub-assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple plunger pieces (first plunger piece and second plunger piece) that can be independently positioned within the tapered bore. This segmentation allows the plungers to be inserted separately and then locked together to secure the threaded rod, eliminating the need for rod rotation and disassembly of pre-fabricated sub-assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger pieces are pre-positioned within the tapered bore of the housing before the threaded rod is inserted. The spring is also pre-loaded to bias the plungers toward the narrow end. This preliminary arrangement allows the threaded rod to be simply inserted and locked without requiring rotation or disassembly operations.
2Productivity
If pre-fabricated sub-assemblies are used to maximize installation labor savings, then installation efficiency is improved, but the threaded rod cannot be assembled without rotating it which defeats the purpose of quick assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the spring-loaded plunger system. When the threaded rod is inserted, the spring automatically biases the plungers to engage with the rod's external threads, locking it in place without requiring manual rotation or additional assembly steps. This self-locking feature maintains high installation efficiency while simplifying the assembly operation.
3Reliability
If the threaded rod is secured using internal threads on mating parts, then the threaded rod can be locked, but disassembly is required to engage the threads
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using internal threads on the mating parts (beam clamps, anchor bolts, strut nuts) that require the threaded rod to be rotated into them, this invention inverts the approach by using external threads on the threaded rod that engage with plunger pieces having internal threaded surfaces. The plungers are positioned within a tapered bore and biased by a spring to engage the external threads on the rod, eliminating the need for rod rotation and disassembly while maintaining reliable locking.
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 solution provides labor savings by allowing quick and efficient assembly of pre-fabricated sub-assemblies without rotating threaded rods, facilitating easier installation and adjustment while ensuring secure locking and compatibility with various structural attachments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed within the tapered bore to bias the first plunger piece and the second plunger piece towards the narrow end of the tapered bore
Implementation Method 2
The first plunger piece can be urged towards the second plunger piece and towards the axis of the tapered bore by contact between the first outer surface of the first plunger piece and the internal surface of the tapered bore
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing threaded rod can include a housing and a threaded rod locking mechanism. The housing can include a rod locking body with a tapered bore, and a housing extension extending from an end of the rod locking body. The threaded rod locking mechanism can include two plunger pieces, each of which are movable within the tapered bore and include a respective threaded inner surface and a respective sloped outer surface that can engage the tapered bore. The threaded rod locking mechanism can also include a spring disposed within the tapered bore to bias the plunger pieces towards a narrow end of the tapered bore. The plunger pieces can be urged towards each other and towards an axis of the tapered bore by contact between the outer surfaces of the plunger pieces and an internal surface of the tapered bore.