Angle-Legged Strut Strap for Faster Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current strut straps require multiple parts and tools for installation, are cumbersome, and inefficient, often requiring separation of legs for installation, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, while also using more material than necessary.
Innovation Solution
The design of an angle-legged strut strap with angled feet and a unique connection method using a bolt with a threaded hole, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly without the need for multiple tools, and incorporating ribs and dimples for increased strength while reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional strut straps are used with multiple parts and tools, then installation is possible, but installation time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (legs, mounting sections, fastening elements) into a single integrated strut strap structure. The angled legs are formed as one piece with the mounting sections, eliminating the need for separate parts and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity and installation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut strap is designed with multi-functional integrated features that perform multiple functions: the angled legs provide both structural support and positioning, the mounting sections serve as both attachment points and alignment guides, and the overall structure combines fastening, positioning, and securing functions in a single component, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools and parts.
2Ease of operation
If traditional strut straps require separation of legs for installation, then proper assembly is possible, but installation time increases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strut strap is pre-formed with angled legs and integrated mounting sections in the correct geometric configuration during manufacturing. This preliminary shaping eliminates the need for field assembly or separation of legs, allowing direct installation while ensuring proper alignment and reducing installation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled legs are designed with specific asymmetric angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis, creating a unique geometric configuration that provides self-aligning properties during installation. This asymmetric design guides proper placement and reduces installation errors by preventing incorrect orientation.
3Strength
If more material is used in traditional strut straps, then strength is sufficient, but environmental friendliness decreases and material efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The strut strap employs varying thickness and cross-sectional dimensions at different locations: thicker sections at the angled legs and mounting areas where strength is critical, and thinner sections in non-critical areas. This localized quality optimization maintains structural strength while minimizing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite construction techniques combining different material properties or configurations within the single-piece structure, such as varying material density or cross-sectional geometry in different zones, to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio and reduce total material usage while maintaining required strength levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A strut strap having a first leg with a first angled end, a shaped middle section; a second end having a middle section and feet at opposing ends where each of the feet are angled away from the first end middle section in opposite directions; a second leg having a first angled end and a shaped middle section; and a second end having a middle section and feet at opposing ends where each of the feet are angled away from the second end middle section in opposite directions.