Two-Part Beam Hanger With Cam-Based Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lumber inconsistencies due to production deviations or shrinkage cause height variations in beams, leading to integrity issues in building structures.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustable two-part hanger with a beam support member and a height adjustment member, allowing for rotational or pivotal movement to adjust the beam's position relative to a building support member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-height hanger is used to support beams, then the hanger structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but beam height inconsistencies (up to 0.5 inches) cause structural integrity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger incorporates a height adjustment member with a cam mechanism that allows the supported beam to be positioned at different heights. The cam profile enables vertical adjustment of the beam while maintaining horizontal stability, transforming the fixed-height limitation into a dynamic, adjustable system that accommodates lumber variations up to 0.5 inches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a height adjustment mechanism is added to the hanger, then beam height can be adjusted to accommodate lumber variations, but the hanger structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment member with cam mechanism provides dynamic height adjustability, allowing the beam to be positioned at multiple heights to accommodate lumber variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger is divided into distinct functional components: a support member with side panels and web, and a separate height adjustment member with cam mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and ease of assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If the hanger accommodates beam height variations, then structural consistency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring precise manufacturing of each beam to a fixed height, the invention changes the parameter of the hanger system itself by incorporating an adjustable height mechanism. The cam profile is designed with specific geometric parameters that enable controlled height adjustment, compensating for lumber variations without demanding extreme manufacturing precision in the beam production process.
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 precise leveling of beams, ensuring consistent heights and structural integrity by accommodating variations up to 0.5 inches, enhancing the stability and uniformity of building structures.
Implementation Method 1
The height adjustment member is positioned within the channel proximate the support web. When a beam is positioned within the channel resting on the height adjustment member in a first position relative to the web, the height adjustment member is movable, thereby moving the beam to a different second position relative to the web.
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger for supporting an elongate beam in a building structure has beam support member with a right side spaced from a left side with a support web extending therebetween at a bottom end. The right side, left side and support web define a beam receipt channel. A beam adjustment member is positioned at least partially within the channel proximate the web and in rotational or pivotal relationship with the beam support member. The beam support member may include a series of vertically spaced apart slots or notches for engagement with one or more notches or slots in a back plate. The back plate is separately attachable to a building support member and the beam support member is attachable to the back plate at multiple different vertical positions.