Adjustable Jaw Fitting Assembly for Variable Pipe Support Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piping support assemblies with fixed lengths are incompatible with varying distances between piping systems and structures, making it difficult to accommodate dynamic loads and ensure secure mounting in applications like seismic events.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly with an adjustable fastener system that allows for selective repositioning of a threaded fastener relative to a fitting, enabling the assembly to adjust its length by threading or unthreading, thereby accommodating different distances and supporting pipes at varying orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length piping support assembly is used, then the assembly structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the assembly cannot accommodate varying distances between piping systems and structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fastener repositionable relative to the fitting, allowing the effective length to be adjusted dynamically. The fastener can be threaded to different positions along the threaded bore, enabling the assembly to adapt to varying distances between piping systems and structures while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length piping support assembly is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the assembly is incompatible with varying installation distances
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustability is achieved through a threaded mechanism where the fastener can be repositioned along the threaded bore. This provides adaptability to varying installation distances while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the threaded connection is a standard, simple-to-produce feature that does not require complex manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fastener is made repositionable to adjust length, then the assembly can accommodate varying distances, but the installation and adjustment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The repositionable fastener with threaded connection provides length adjustability through a simple threading motion. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains ease of operation because threading is an intuitive and straightforward action that requires minimal tools or specialized skills, making the assembly both adaptable and easy to install.
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 adjustable fitting assembly ensures secure mounting of pipes at various distances from structures, accommodating dynamic loads and maintaining attachment during structural movements, such as seismic events, while allowing for easy installation and flexibility in pipe support configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a fitting assembly comprising a fitting defining a threaded bore and a threaded hole, a set screw engaged with the threaded hole; and a fastener engaged with the threaded bore, the fastener repositionable relative to the fitting to adjust a length of the fitting assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of fitting assembly and a method for adjusting a length thereof are disclosed. The fitting assembly can comprise a jaw fitting comprising a body, a first jaw extending from the body, and a second jaw extending from the body, the first jaw oriented substantially parallel to the second jaw, the jaw fitting defining a bore formed through the body and a hole formed through the first jaw, the jaw fitting further defining a slot between the first jaw and second jaw; a first fastener engaged with the hole and extending into the slot, the first fastener configured to couple a brace member to the jaw fitting; and a second fastener defining a tail end engaged with the bore, the second fastener repositionable relative to the jaw fitting to adjust a length of the fitting assembly, wherein the second fastener is oriented perpendicular to the first fastener.