HVAC Conduit Support Bracket for Fast Securement and Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches for securing conduits within HVAC&R systems are complex and costly, often requiring numerous coupling components and multiple assembly steps, which can lead to inadequate vibration damping and securement.
Innovation Solution
A conduit support assembly featuring brackets with base portions and tab portions, where the base portions have channels to receive conduits and the tab portions insert through panel openings, allowing the brackets to capture the panel and securely clamp onto the conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling components and multiple assembly steps are used to secure conduits, then the conduit support structure provides adequate securement, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it combines the conduit-clamping function (via the C-shaped channel) with the panel-securing function (via the tab portion extending through panel openings) and the structural support function. This eliminates the need for separate coupling components and reduces assembly steps while maintaining reliable conduit securement
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a universal component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: supporting the conduit, securing it to the panel, providing structural reinforcement, and enabling vibration damping. The single bracket structure replaces multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving securement reliability
2Reliability
If multiple coupling components and assembly steps are used, then the conduit can be secured to the panel, but the installation time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is pre-configured with the C-shaped channel and tab portion integrated into a single component during manufacturing. This preliminary integration means that during installation, workers do not need to assemble multiple coupling components or perform complex assembly steps - they simply position and secure the pre-integrated bracket, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining securement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the conduit-receiving channel and panel-securing tab into a single bracket component, the invention reduces the number of assembly operations required during installation. The integrated design allows for faster positioning and securing compared to traditional multi-component approaches, directly addressing the installation time issue
3Ease of operation
If traditional support methods are used, then the conduit can be mounted, but vibration damping is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is formed from a composite material or composite structure that combines rigid structural elements (for mounting and support) with vibration-damping materials or structures. This composite construction allows the bracket to simultaneously provide easy conduit mounting through its integrated design while effectively damping vibrations through its material composition or layered structure
4Strength
If numerous coupling components are used, then the conduit can be securely fastened, but the number of fasteners and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket combines the fastening function with the support structure itself. The tab portion and base portion work together as an integrated fastening mechanism that secures both the conduit and panel with fewer fasteners compared to traditional multi-component approaches. The integrated design maintains or improves fastening strength while reducing the total number of fasteners required
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit support assembly for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a bracket having a base portion and a tab portion. The base portion includes a channel formed therein, the channel is configured to receive a conduit of the HVAC&R system, the tab portion is configured to be inserted through an opening in a panel of the HVAC&R system, and the base portion and the tab portion are configured to cooperatively capture the panel in an installed configuration of the conduit support assembly.