Pipe Bonding Jumper Kit for Weld-Free Grounding on Food Pipes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the food and beverage manufacturing process, metal pipes used for conveying materials can experience electrical potential buildup due to friction, leading to potential ignition or combustion without adequate grounding protection, and conventional grounding methods require specialized tools and permits.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a strap member and a cylindrical tensioning member with threaded surfaces, adjustable nuts, and a compression lug, allowing for secure electrical connection to a grounded conductor without welding, using hand tools and enabling flexible installation around metal pipes of varying diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional welding methods are used to attach grounding devices to metal pipes, then reliable electrical grounding protection is achieved, but specialized tools and permits are required, increasing complexity and installation difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical grounding protectionVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system using a strap member, tensioning member, and nuts. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized welding tools and permits while maintaining reliable electrical grounding protection through direct mechanical contact between the strap and metal pipe surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The strap member acts as an intermediary between the grounding device and the metal pipe. Instead of directly welding the grounding device to the pipe, the strap member provides a mechanical interface that secures the grounding device to the pipe surface through tension and friction, simplifying installation while ensuring reliable electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If grounding devices are designed for fixed-size pipes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to pipes of varying diameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding device dimensionsVSAvoidpipe diameter compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding device incorporates dynamic elements including an adjustable strap member and a tensioning mechanism with nuts that can be adjusted to different positions. This allows the device to adapt to pipes of varying diameters while maintaining secure contact, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size grounding devices for different pipe dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows for parameter changes in the circumferential direction by adjusting the tensioning member position and strap member configuration. This enables the same grounding device to be installed on pipes with different diameters by modifying the tension and positioning parameters, rather than requiring different sized devices for each pipe diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides effective electrical grounding protection to metal pipes, preventing electrical discharges and allowing for safe operation without the need for specialized tools or permits, while maintaining durability and corrosion resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a tension force between the strap member and the elongate article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the second nut applies a compressive force onto the first nut to retain the position of the tensioning member in the first nut

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

place the elongate article in electrical connection with the tensioning member, and a position of the tensioning member in the first nut being adjustable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongate article to apply a tension force between the strap member and the elongate article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240309972A1Food and beverage pipe bonding jumper kit

Publication Date: 2024.09.19 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A device may include a strap member, a tensioning member, a first nut, and a second nut. The strap member includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion contiguously connected to the first portion and the second portion. The first nut is coupled to the tensioning member adjacent a first end of the tensioning member. The tensioning member extends through the first nut and contacts a surface of the elongate article to apply a tension force and to electrically connect the elongate article to a grounded electrical conductor. The second nut is coupled to the threaded cylindrical member adjacent a second end and acts on the first nut to retain the position of the tensioning member relative to the first nut. The second nut can also act on a compression lug to place the compression lug in connected engagement with the tensioning member.