Flexible Pipe Clamp Structure for Low-Force Secure Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe clamps require high insertion forces, which can damage pipes during installation and removal, and are not suitable for flexible pipes, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during repair or rerouting.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clamp design featuring a linear base with perpendicular walled portions and curved flexible support members made of materials like nylon or polyoxymethylene, which reduces insertion force requirements and securely retains pipes with greater extraction forces, allowing for flexible pipe accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional pipe clamps are used, then pipes can be secured to surfaces, but high insertion forces are required that can damage pipes during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible support member made of elastomeric material that forms a compliant interface between the clamp and pipe. The flexible material deforms to accommodate pipe insertion without requiring excessive force, while still providing secure retention when installed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the clamp by incorporating a flexible support member with specific durometer hardness (Shore A 20-70) and elastic modulus properties. This allows the clamp to transition from a rigid high-force structure to a compliant low-force structure that adapts to pipe dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pipe clamps are used, then rigid pipes can be secured, but they are not suitable for flexible pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible support member made of elastomeric material provides compliance that accommodates both rigid and flexible pipe types. The material's elasticity allows it to conform to various pipe shapes and stiffness levels while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design achieves universality by using the flexible support member as a universal interface that can securely hold different pipe types (rigid, flexible, smooth, corrugated) through its elastic deformation capability, eliminating the need for different clamp designs for different pipe types
3Ease of operation
If high insertion forces are applied, then pipes can be forced into conventional clamps, but structural integrity of pipes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force parameter by using a flexible support member with controlled stiffness (Shore A 20-70) that reduces insertion force requirements from potentially damaging high levels to safe low levels, while still providing adequate retention force after installation
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 design minimizes pipe damage during installation and enhances security by reducing insertion forces and increasing extraction forces, accommodating both rigid and flexible pipes effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a curved flexible support member... made of materials like nylon or polyoxymethylene, which reduces insertion force requirements and securely retains pipes with greater extraction forces
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe clamp includes a linearly extending base portion. The base portion has a channel in which a pipe is positioned when inserted into the pipe clamp. The pipe clamp further includes two walled portions that extend from longitudinal edges of the base portion. The pipe clamp may further include a curved flexible support member that includes a fixed end and a moveable end. The fixed end is rigidly attached to an inner surface of one of the walled portions. Further, the flexible member is such that it extends in a curved manner, initially extending away from the inner surface of the walled portion and then curving inwards toward the walled portion into a recess.