Flexible Pipe Clamp for Multi-Size Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe clamps struggle to securely attach and accommodate different sizes of pipes, such as PEX, CPVC, and copper, to mounting surfaces without causing damage or interference, particularly due to size variations and expansion issues.

Innovation Solution

A pipe clamp design featuring a flexible arm with an arcuate recess and radially inwardly extending fingers that bend to secure pipes of varying sizes, along with circumferentially spaced ribs for cradling and a beveled tip for enhanced grip, allowing for secure attachment to mounting surfaces with clearance for expansion and vibration insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid pipe clamp structure is used, then the clamp provides stable support, but it cannot accommodate different pipe sizes and causes damage to smaller pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different pipe sizesVSAvoidsecure retention of pipe

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp incorporates a flexible arm that can dynamically adjust its position and shape to accommodate pipes of varying diameters. The flexibility allows the arm to bend and conform to the specific pipe size while maintaining secure retention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp design allows for parameter changes in the arm's flexibility and geometry to adapt to different pipe sizes. By modifying the physical parameters of the flexible arm (such as its curvature and material properties), the clamp can securely retain pipes ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the clamp tightly grips the pipe, then secure retention is achieved, but pipe damage and interference with expansion occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retention of pipeVSAvoidpipe damage and expansion interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp uses a flexible arm with a contoured inner surface that gently cradles the pipe rather than rigidly constraining it. This flexible structure provides secure retention through controlled contact while allowing the pipe to expand and contract without damage, eliminating harmful factors associated with tight rigid gripping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible arm is designed with inherent compliance that acts as a cushion between the clamp and the pipe. This beforehand cushioning prevents direct transmission of damaging forces to the pipe while maintaining secure retention, protecting against both mechanical damage and expansion interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the pipe is directly attached to the mounting surface, then stable support is provided, but noise and vibration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable support of pipeVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible arm serves as an intermediary element between the mounting surface and the pipe. It provides stable support by transmitting loads to the mounting surface while simultaneously isolating the pipe from direct contact, thereby reducing noise and vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible arm acts as a vibration-dampening element due to its compliant nature. It absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy while maintaining stable support, effectively reducing noise and vibration harmful factors without compromising structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 a versatile and secure attachment method for pipes of different sizes, ensuring retention without damage, accommodating expansion, and reducing noise and vibration by maintaining clearance between the pipe and mounting surface.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible arm extending laterally outwardly therefrom in a semi-circular arc... opposed flexible fingers extend radially inwardly... for ease of bending of the fingers when contacted by the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the beveled tip is cammed inwardly toward the mounting post to cause the arm to more tightly grip the smaller size pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS10125897B2Pipe clamp

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 OATEY CO

AI summary

A pipe clamp comprises a mounting post having a flexible arm extending laterally therefrom in a semi-circular arc. The arm defines with the mounting post an arcuate recess having spaced apart opposite ends between which different size pipe is selectively insertable into the recess. Opposed flexible fingers extend radially inwardly adjacent opposite ends of the recess. The fingers are axially angled between opposite sides of the clamp to facilitate bending of the fingers when contacted by the pipe during insertion of the pipe into the recess.