Two-Piece Bisecting Flange Bracket for Pipe Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piping repair systems either have inadequate strength along the flange mating surface or require cutting the pipe to install a single-piece bracket, which is inefficient and not suitable for pipes under heat and vibration forces.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece flange bracket assembly with bisecting 'T' metal pieces and interlaced metal tubes, using operable threaded bolts and nuts for reinforcement, which can be installed without cutting the pipe and supports existing flat or cupped flanges, providing distributed pressure and additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-piece bracket is used to reinforce flange joints, then the strength and durability of the flange joint is improved, but the installation process requires cutting the pipe which increases complexity and is not suitable for pipes under heat and vibration forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into two separate pieces (first bracket piece and second bracket piece) that can be installed independently on either side of the flange joint without cutting the pipe. Each piece is secured using clamps or welding to the pipe exterior, allowing the joint to be reinforced while maintaining pipe integrity and simplifying installation.
2Device complexity
If a two-piece flat bracket assembly is used, then the installation complexity is reduced, but the strength along the flange mating surface is inadequate due to minimal and varying strength distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket pieces are designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thicker portion positioned at the flange mating surface and a thinner portion extending toward the pipe end. This local quality variation ensures maximum strength and support precisely where the flange joint requires it, while reducing material usage in less critical areas.
3Strength
If reinforcement is applied along the flange mating surface, then the distributed pressure and support are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as an integrated single-piece structure that combines multiple functions: it provides reinforcement along the entire flange mating surface, supports the flange joint, and extends to clamp or weld onto the pipe. This merging of functions into a single component reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining comprehensive support.
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 solution provides enhanced strength and durability to weakened flange joints by distributing pressure evenly across the flange surfaces, preventing deterioration from heat and vibration, and allowing for easy installation without pipe modification.
Implementation Method 1
operable fitted threated bolts and tightened using operable threated nuts
Implementation Method 2
two pieces constructed of bisecting 'T' metal pieces welded along its span or molded at length
Data Source
AI summary
This invention differs in design from other flange brackets in its shape and not limited in use as prescribed. The design of this invention differs from existing flange bracket designs in that it uses at least two bisecting section and a two piece assembly design. The âTâ formed shape of the metal pieces offers a strength benefit by providing additional and distributed strength along and against the pipe flange. The application of operable fitted bolts tightened with operable nuts increases the strength of the bracket. The ability of the user to install this flange bracket is easily managed without having to cut the flanged pipes. With other repair systems metal pipes have to be cut; bracket installed then pipes reattached usually by welding the pipe or affixing a compression coupler; or with systems having interlaced flanged pieces do not provide the strength along and against a flanged pipe due to their flat construction.