Drop-in Loop Hanger Pivoting Arm for Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hanger systems for circular objects like pipes require disassembly and reassembly to install, making it difficult to support long pipe sections and assemble components like sprinkler systems without disassembling hangers or stabbing pipes through already-installed hangers.
Innovation Solution
A drop-in loop hanger with a U-shape portion and a moving arm that pivots to guide and secure pipes, allowing easy installation by dropping the pipe into pre-installed hangers without disassembling hardware, using a barrel nut for height adjustments and secure attachment to a threaded rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hangers are installed first and pipes are stabbed through them, then hangers can be securely attached to structure, but installation becomes complex and time-consuming requiring disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger incorporates a movable arm that can pivot between an open position for receiving pipes and a closed position for securing them. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for disassembly during installation, as the arm simply needs to be opened to allow pipe insertion and then automatically closes to secure the pipe, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger is pre-configured with the movable arm in a position that allows easy pipe insertion. The arm is designed to be opened beforehand to receive the pipe and then automatically closes to secure it, eliminating the need for on-site disassembly and reassembly operations
2Ease of operation
If pipes are stabbed through already-installed hangers, then hangers provide secure support, but long pipe sections cannot be easily assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm design allows the hanger to accommodate long pipe sections by simply opening the arm to receive the entire pipe length and then closing it to secure the pipe. This eliminates the need to break long pipes into smaller sections or to stab them through already-installed hangers, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and pipe length
3Ease of operation
If hangers are disassembled to install pipes, then pipes can be secured to hangers, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arm is designed to pivot automatically when the pipe is inserted and weighted, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and reassembly. The arm opens to receive the pipe and closes automatically under the pipe's weight, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger's movable arm automatically closes to secure the pipe once the pipe is inserted and weighted, without requiring manual intervention for assembly. The system uses the pipe's own weight to trigger the closing action, eliminating time-consuming manual assembly operations
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 installation of long pipe sections and complete assembly of sprinkler systems on the ground before installation, eliminating the need for disassembly and stabbing, and allows for even load distribution across both sides of the hanger.
Implementation Method 1
The hanger may include a moving portion that pivots at a hinge to allow entry of the object, then closes off the entryway to help retain the object within the hanger
Implementation Method 2
The hanger may include a threaded portion for receiving a threaded rod, for example to mount the hanger from a ceiling or other structure or objects
Data Source
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AI summary
A drop-in loop hanger includes a U-shape portion or saddle for receiving an object to be supported, such as a pipe run, and an arm that guides the object to be supported into the U-shape portion. The hanger may include a moving portion that pivots at a hinge to allow entry of the object, then closes off the entryway to help retain the object within the hanger. The hanger may include a threaded portion for receiving a threaded rod, for example to mount the hanger from a ceiling or other structure or objects. The object may be placed in a series of already-installed hangers, for example placing a run of pipe in a series of hangers that support the pipe at different axial locations along the pipe.