Partial-Cylindrical Conduit Support with Retention Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conduit supports face issues such as detachment due to bending and thermal expansion, require two hands to assemble zip ties, and have length limitations that increase shipping costs and risk of injury, while also potentially accumulating moisture.
Innovation Solution
A hanger and support assembly with a partial-cylindrical support featuring varying diameters for coupler functionality, retention members for one-handed zip tie assembly, and longitudinal grooves for strength and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supports have larger lengths to reduce the number of supports required, then productivity is improved, but the risk of injury increases due to handling difficulties and shipping constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into modular components: a first support, a second support, and a coupler that joins them. This allows workers to handle shorter, manageable sections rather than long continuous supports, reducing injury risk while maintaining the ability to span long distances when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed to receive and nest the ends of supports within its body. The supports can be inserted into the coupler's hollow structure, creating a compact assembled unit that is easier to handle and ship than long unsupported sections.
2Productivity
If supports have larger lengths to reduce the number of supports required, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to special shipping containers
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support system into standard-length supports and a coupler, each component can be packaged in conventional shipping containers. This avoids the need for specialized long-container infrastructure while achieving the same functional span when assembled on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is pre-assembled with the supports nested within it during manufacturing or pre-installation preparation. This preliminary assembly creates a compact unit that fits standard shipping dimensions, eliminating the need for special long-container shipping infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If friction between conduit and support is relied upon for retention, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to bending and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
A clamp acts as an intermediary component between the conduit and support. The clamp provides positive mechanical engagement with both the conduit and support, preventing detachment caused by bending or thermal expansion while maintaining ease of installation through simple clamp attachment.
4Reliability
If zip ties are used to prevent conduit detachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to two-handed assembly requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp serves as an intermediary fastening mechanism that replaces the need for zip ties. The clamp can be installed with one hand using simple fastening motions, providing reliable conduit retention without the two-handed assembly requirement of zip ties.
5Productivity
If supports are made longer to reduce quantity, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain strength
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into standard-length supports that can be manufactured with conventional tolerances and strengths. The coupler provides the additional structural connection needed to maintain overall system strength without requiring individual supports to be manufactured with excessive precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for supporting a conduit includes a support, a clamp, and a hanger. The support has a partial-cylindrical shape including a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In one aspect, at least one of the first section and the second section define a first aperture in the partial-cylindrical shape. In another aspect, at least one of the first section and the second section includes a retention member extending radially from an outer surface of the partial-cylindrical shape. The retention member includes a closed loop or a partially-open loop that defines a second aperture for receiving a strap to secure the conduit to the support. The clamp is configured to secure the conduit to the support. The hanger is configured to suspend the support from a structure.