Friction-Fit Riser Ring for Adjustable Conduit Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current riser clamps are bulky, costly, and require significant labor and effort to install and remove, especially when finishing floors around conduits, as they need to be removed and holes filled, which adds extra time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A riser ring system that engages with a conduit via a friction fit, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure holding without the need for bolts, enabling easy adjustment and embedding in the finished floor without the need for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional riser clamp is used to secure the conduit, then the conduit is prevented from falling through the hole, but the clamp becomes bulky, heavy, and difficult to remove when floor finishing is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by using a riser ring that is intentionally left in place permanently rather than removed. The ring is designed to be embedded in the finished floor, eliminating the need for removal and hole filling. This transforms the temporary clamp concept into a permanent fixture that becomes part of the floor structure, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the riser ring with the floor finishing process by embedding the ring in the finished floor around the conduit. This combination creates a unified structure where the security device becomes integrated with the architectural element, eliminating the need for separate removal and repair operations.
2Strength
If a heavy duty metal alloy clamp is used, then the conduit is securely held in place, but the equipment becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a thin, ring-shaped structure instead of a bulky clamp. The riser ring is a simple annular component that fits around the conduit, providing secure holding through its geometry and friction fit rather than through heavy material construction. This reduces device complexity while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the holding function into two parts: the friction fit between the ring and conduit provides initial security, while the embedding in the floor provides permanent anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and lightweight rather than requiring a single bulky structure to perform all functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the conduit hole needs to be finished around, then the clamp must be removed and the hole filled, but this adds extra labor time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the riser ring to be embedded in the finished floor from the beginning. This anticipates the future need for floor finishing and incorporates the solution into the initial installation, eliminating the need for subsequent removal and hole filling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser ring is designed to remain permanently in place as part of the finished floor structure, transforming from a temporary clamp into a permanent fixture. This eliminates the need for removal and associated labor, directly addressing the floor finishing contradiction.
4Ease of operation
If a friction fit riser ring is used, then adjustment and embedding are simplified, but the ring must maintain sufficient friction to prevent conduit fall-through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a system that transitions from a friction-based adjustable fit during installation to a permanently anchored state after embedding. The friction fit allows for dynamic adjustment during installation, while the subsequent embedding in the floor provides static, reliable security. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
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 riser ring system reduces operational costs, capital expenditures, and labor by providing a lightweight, cost-effective solution that prevents conduit fall-through and allows for seamless floor finishing without the need for extensive removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
sliding the riser ring over the external surface of the riser pipe segment to a first position along the length of the riser pipe segment, such that the riser ring and the riser pipe segment are engaged via a friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for and a method of preventing a conduit, pipe, or other similar traversing piece of equipment, from falling through an opening, and for facilitating ready adjustment of the traversing piece of equipment during installation, maintenance, and/or repair services. A first embodiment may involve a single-component system or a multi-component system. A second embodiment may involve a multi-component system for and method of effectively increasing the diameter of a conduit or pipe to an amount greater than that of an opening, but in a way such that the conduit or pipe can be adjustably extended without need for disengaging the system or back-tracking/reversing the method. A third embodiment may involve an annular riser ring and method of use thereof, wherein the riser ring is configured to slide over a conduit or pipe and is held in place along the pipe or conduit by a tight but slidable friction fit.