Adjustable Pipe Coupling for Shade Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cross connecting pipes in roof support arrangements of shade structures do not allow for slight adjustments in pipe angles to account for construction inaccuracies, necessitating predetermined welding and requiring multiple workers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pipe coupling assembly comprising clamps that can rotate and pivot independently to adjust the angle between pipes, allowing for horizontal and vertical adjustments without welding, using a pin to facilitate rotation and pivot mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If predetermined welding is used to cross connect pipes, then structural strength is ensured, but adaptability for angle adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly incorporates rotatable clamps with pivot mechanisms that allow the pipes to be adjusted to different angles. The first clamp can rotate about a vertical axis while the second clamp rotates about a horizontal axis, enabling dynamic adjustment of pipe angles to accommodate construction inaccuracies and achieve optimal roof contour
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is divided into separate functional components: a first clamp for securing the first pipe, a second clamp for securing the second pipe, and independent rotation mechanisms for each clamp. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-site adjustment of pipe angles is enabled, then adaptability to construction inaccuracies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly uses universal rotation mechanisms where both clamps can rotate independently about different axes. This multi-functionality allows the same basic clamp design to accommodate various pipe angles and configurations, simplifying the overall design while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly acts as an intermediary device between the pipes and the roof structure. It absorbs and compensates for construction inaccuracies through its rotation mechanisms, eliminating the need for precise pre-fabrication while maintaining structural integrity
3Ease of operation
If welding is eliminated in favor of mechanical coupling, then ease of operation and on-site assembly are improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly creates a spherical joint configuration where pipes can rotate freely about multiple axes. This curved, multi-axis rotation capability provides mechanical strength comparable to welding while allowing for easy on-site adjustment and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The clamps are pre-designed with specific geometric features and hole patterns that enable straightforward alignment and assembly. The predetermined geometry of the clamp bodies and mounting holes allows workers to quickly assemble the coupling without complex alignment procedures
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable pipe coupling assembly (10) has first and second clamps (30, 32), rotating elements (38, 40, 44) for the clamps, first and second pipes (16, 18), and first and second pivot elements (60). The clamp (30) includes opposed ears (52, 54) which locate the pipe (16) therebetween. The pipe (16) can pivot about an axis. The clamp (32) includes opposed ears (52, 54) which locate the pipe (18) therebetween. The pipe (18) can pivot about an axis. In use, rotating the clamps adjusts the horizontal angle between the axes, and pivoting the pipes about their respective pivot means adjusts the vertical angle between the pipes.