Adjustable Pipe Fastening Device for Misalignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps used in sensitive installations, such as industrial settings, often require welding and cannot effectively adapt to imprecise pipe alignment or positioning without causing deformation, and they are not easily accessible for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fastening device with laterally oriented jaw orifices and retaining rods that can be partially or fully transverse, allowing for easy assembly and alignment without deformation, and featuring a wedge for adjusting the pipe axis, eliminating the need for welding and accommodating alignment faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe clamps are used to secure pipes in congested areas, then the pipes can be fixed to walls, but the device size becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into a base element and a movable element that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element can be adjusted along the retaining rod to dynamically adapt to different pipe positions and alignment variations, providing flexibility without requiring a complex fixed structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If collars are used to guide or block pipes according to construction codes, then pipe positioning can be controlled, but welding is required which complicates installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is replaced with a mechanical fastening system using a retaining rod that passes through both elements. This substitution eliminates the need for welding while maintaining precise positioning through the adjustable movable element.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable movable element allows for self-adjustment during installation to accommodate alignment variations, eliminating the need for complex welding procedures and facilitating easier installation and maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If collars are adapted to compensate for positioning or alignment faults in piping, then alignment defects can be absorbed, but pipe deformation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The movable element can dynamically adjust its position along the retaining rod to accommodate alignment faults in the piping. This dynamic adjustment allows the clamp to adapt to misalignments without applying excessive force that would cause pipe deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the movable element can be changed to accommodate different alignment conditions. By adjusting the position of the movable element along the retaining rod, the clamp can absorb alignment faults without deforming the pipe.
4Strength
If welding is used to fix elements together in pipe clamps, then structural strength is improved, but accessibility for maintenance checks becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into separable elements (base element and movable element) connected by a retaining rod. This segmentation allows the elements to be easily assembled and disassembled for maintenance while maintaining structural strength through the mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Welding is replaced with a mechanical fastening system using the retaining rod. This mechanical connection provides sufficient structural strength while allowing easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance checks, improving accessibility compared to welded connections.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device (1) has a base plate (2) defining a transversal base plane, and jaws (4a, 4b) that are maintained in position on maintaining rods (3) by a blocking unit. Openings (41) of the jaws are extended for forming an open groove on a side of the jaws. A groove and the maintaining rods are separated by a transversal gap and a lateral gap to authorize orientation and position of the jaws with respect to the maintaining rods before blocking the jaws.