Adjustable Jaw Fitting Assembly for Seismic Pipe Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piping support assemblies are typically of a fixed length, making it difficult to accommodate varying distances between piping systems and the structures they are mounted to, especially in applications subject to dynamic loads like seismic events.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly with an adjustable fastener that can be repositioned relative to the fitting to adjust the length of the assembly, allowing for flexible attachment to brace members and accommodating varying distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length piping support assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it 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 assembly length to be adjusted. The fastener can be moved to different positions along the fitting to accommodate varying distances between piping systems and structures, transforming a static fixed-length assembly into a dynamic adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the effective length parameter of the fastener assembly through repositioning. By changing the position of the fastener along the fitting, the effective length L can be varied to match different installation requirements, thereby achieving adaptability to varying distances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length fitting assembly is used, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but it is incompatible with varying pipe orientations and structures
Solution Approach 1:
The repositionable fastener allows the assembly to adapt to varying pipe orientations by adjusting its effective length during installation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same fitting assembly to be used with different pipe orientations and structural configurations without requiring multiple fixed-length variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-length fittings are used to accommodate varying distances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single fitting assembly with a repositionable fastener that can perform multiple functions - accommodating a wide range of distances and pipe orientations. This single universal assembly replaces the need for multiple fixed-length fittings, reducing inventory requirements and simplifying the system while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting assembly includes 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 concrete wedge anchor engaged with the bore and oriented perpendicular to the first fastener.