Adjustable Pipe Support With Sliding Arms And Pivot Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support systems lack flexibility and adjustability to accommodate pipes of varying sizes and heights, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support system featuring a pair of arms with integral jaw components and a joint that allows sliding between positions, along with a positioning element such as a worm drive or pin, enabling adjustable width and height settings to securely support pipes of different dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pipe support system is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate pipes of varying sizes and heights
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support system employs movable arms that can slide along the base plate and adjust their position, transforming a static fixed support into a dynamic adjustable support. The arms can be positioned at different locations along the base plate to accommodate pipes of varying sizes and heights while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into separate components including a base plate, multiple adjustable arms, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned, providing versatility in accommodating different pipe configurations while keeping the overall structure manageable.
2Reliability
If rigid pipe support is used, then the pipe is securely held, but thermal expansion and contraction may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support system incorporates flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the arms to move and adapt to pipe dimensional changes. The sliding joints and adjustable connections provide flexibility to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining secure support, preventing damage to the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arms with sliding mechanisms provide dynamic positioning capability, allowing the support system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the pipe. The arms can be repositioned along the base plate to maintain optimal support spacing as the pipe dimensions change with temperature variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate support components are used to provide adjustability, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves multiple functions by incorporating both the support structure and the positioning mechanism for the arms. The arms themselves serve dual purposes of supporting the pipe and providing adjustable positioning through their sliding capability along the base plate, reducing the need for separate adjustment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is integrated directly into the base plate structure rather than being a separate component. The sliding joints are incorporated into the arm-base plate connection, merging the support function with the adjustment function in a single integrated design that reduces overall component count and assembly complexity.
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 system allows for secure and adjustable support of pipes, accommodating various sizes and heights, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning element includes a worm drive
Implementation Method 2
the joint is configured to slide between a first position and a second position, wherein a radius of curvature of the jaw is substantially the same in both the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 3
the first base plate is pivotable about a first axis and the second base plate is pivotable about a second axis, wherein the first axis and second axis are parallel
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe support has a pair of arms. The first end of one arm has a tongue and the first end of the other arm has an elongate groove configured to slidably receive the tongue. Base plates are pivotably connected to the second ends of both arms.