Grooved Pipe Coupling Clamp for Axial Riser Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling and anchoring systems in high-rise building applications often fail to securely anchor pipe risers due to incorrect anchoring, thermal expansion, and lack of control over clamp tightness, leading to joint failures and potential damage to pipes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling and anchoring system featuring a pipe coupling with an external peripheral groove and an anchoring clamp formed by arced bands, which restricts axial movement and allows versatile anchoring to both perpendicular and parallel surfaces, reducing the number of components and complexity while preventing over-tightening damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamps are used to anchor pipe risers to building structures, then the pipe can be secured to prevent movement, but incorrect anchoring or thermal expansion can cause the clamps to lift off and fail to restrain axial linear movement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple arc bands (typically two) that can be independently positioned and fastened. This segmentation allows the clamp to adapt to thermal expansion by permitting controlled movement while maintaining anchoring pressure, preventing the single-point failure mode of traditional clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through the arc band configuration and fastening mechanism, allowing the clamp to maintain effective anchoring force while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction movements of the pipe riser over time
2Strength
If installers tighten clamps on pipes to support the weight of the pipe, then the pipe can be properly supported, but over-tightening can deform or damage the underlying pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design incorporates parameters such as arc band flexibility, material selection, and fastening torque specifications that allow installers to achieve the required support strength without exceeding the pipe's deformation threshold. The distributed contact pressure across multiple arc bands also helps prevent localized damage
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design inherently provides cushioning protection by distributing the clamping force across multiple arc bands and using materials or design features that prevent excessive localized pressure on the pipe, thereby protecting against damage before it occurs
3Ease of operation
If traditional clamps are used for anchoring pipes, then anchoring can be achieved, but it is not clear where the pipe may be anchored or what elements may prevent anchoring, especially in buildings with glass exterior walls
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with multiple fastening points and orientations, allowing it to be anchored to various building structures including concrete, steel, and glass surfaces. The arc band configuration enables anchoring in different orientations (perpendicular or parallel to the pipe axis), making it universally applicable to diverse building types and installation scenarios
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 system effectively anchors pipe risers, reduces joint failures, and prevents pipe damage by allowing precise control over clamp tightness and accommodating various structural orientations, thereby enhancing installation efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the riser, such as caused by linear expansion and contraction of the piping system, may cause, or contribute to, joint failures in the piping systems
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling and anchoring system for coupling lengths of pipe and anchoring the lengths of pipe to a structure comprise a pipe coupling having an external peripheral groove defined by axially facing axial clamp engaging surfaces, said groove receiving an anchoring clamp. The anchoring clamp has corresponding axial coupling engaging surfaces for engaging the axial clamp engaging surfaces of the pipe coupling to restrict axial movement of the pipe coupling when the anchoring clamp is fastened to the structure. The anchoring clamp is formed from arced bands having laterally extending connecting portions and laterally extending arced elements. The laterally extending connecting surfaces and arcs combine to form dual fastener openings for optionally receiving fastening elements perpendicular and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe coupling for optionally anchoring the system to perpendicular and parallel portions of the structure. The internal arc radius of the arced bands is comparable to the outer diameter of the external peripheral groove with the laterally extending connecting portions radially remote from the groove so that connection of the laterally extending portions prevents over tightening of the clamp. The coupling has an hour-glass cross section with the peripheral groove located axially interposed between the pipe stops and the clamp engaging surfaces such that the pipe lengths would not be axially coincident with the external groove.