Adjustable Pipe Support With Threaded Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe supports lack adjustability and configuration, making annual inspections and height adjustments challenging due to the need for cutting and re-welding, which is inefficient and not adaptable to varying pipe sizes and heights.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a base, pad plate, and adjustable rod system that allows for rotational adjustment of the pipe stand's height by coupling to a skid via slotted sections and fasteners, enabling flexible positioning and vibration reduction through anti-vibration pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing pipe supports are used, then the support structure is simple, but the supports lack adjustability requiring cutting and re-welding for inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus employs a threaded adjustment rod with a rod sleeve that allows the pad plate to be positioned at different heights along the rod. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the support height to be changed without cutting or welding, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity by introducing a controlled degree of movability to the otherwise static support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is divided into distinct modular components including a base, adjustment rod, rod sleeve, pad plate, and fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while enabling easy adjustment and reconfiguration of the overall support height, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving adjustability.
2Productivity
If pipe supports are made adjustable, then inspections can be performed without cutting and re-welding, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded adjustment mechanism provides a simple yet effective dynamic system where rotation of the adjustment rod translates to linear movement of the pad plate via the rod sleeve. This allows rapid height adjustment during inspections without complex machinery, maintaining productivity improvement while minimizing the added device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be manually operated without requiring external tools or complex actuation systems. The threaded rod and rod sleeve constitute a self-contained adjustment system that can be operated directly by personnel during inspection activities, achieving productivity gains without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support height is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying pipe sizes and heights
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus incorporates a threaded adjustment rod with adjustable positioning along its length, allowing the pad plate to be set at different heights to accommodate various pipe sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the components are standard mechanical elements that can be produced using conventional machining techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is designed as a universal support system that can accommodate different pipe diameters and heights through its adjustable mechanism. The base, adjustment rod, and pad plate configuration allows a single apparatus design to serve multiple pipe support applications, achieving adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized component design.
4Loss of time
If traditional pipe supports are used, then the structure is simple, but annual inspections require cutting and re-welding which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded adjustment mechanism allows for rapid height modification during annual inspections by simply rotating the adjustment rod, eliminating the need for time-consuming cutting and re-welding operations. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly reduces inspection time while providing the necessary ease of operation through a straightforward manual adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus is pre-configured with an adjustable mechanism that anticipates future height adjustment needs during inspections. By having the adjustment capability built into the original design, the system eliminates the need for corrective actions like cutting and welding during periodic inspections, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 efficient annual inspections without cutting and re-welding, accommodating varying pipe sizes and heights, and reduces motion and vibration through adjustable and secure fastening mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a height of the pipe stand may be adjusted by rotating a threaded adjustment rod, which may be threadedly received and/or coupleable by at least one of threaded slug of a base of the pipe stand and/or a rod sleeve of a pad plate of the pipe stand
Implementation Method 2
A pad may be coupled to the pad plate, the pad may restrict or inhibit at least one of motion or vibration of an element in contact with the pad
Implementation Method 3
The pad may restrict or inhibit at least one of motion or vibration of an element in contact with the pad
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing a support apparatus are provided. The support device may be a height-adjustable pipe support apparatus. A support apparatus may include a base having a threaded slug therein, a pad plate, a rod sleeve coupled to the pad plate, an adjustment rod coupled between the base and the rod sleeve, at least a portion of the adjustment rod being threadedly receivable by the rod sleeve and the threaded slug, the adjustment rod coupling the base and the pad plate, wherein a rotational movement of the adjustment rod is configured to adjust a distance between the base and the pad plate. A base plate may be coupled to the base and configured to couple to an external element.