Adjustable Hydrant Strap for Tamper-Resistant Pipe Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring devices in pipe systems face challenges due to varying pipe diameters and shapes, leading to insecurity, theft, accidental damage, or sabotage, as they are not adequately secured and can be easily removable without tools.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device with a housing and strap assembly that includes tamper-resistant fasteners and adjustable straps to securely mount on the pipe system, ensuring the device cannot be disassembled without damage, using a strap assembly with a first and second strap that form a circular shape and can be adjusted to fit various pipe shapes, and a tamper-resistant housing fastener to prevent unauthorized removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a monitoring device is mounted on a pipe system with common fastening methods, then the device can be easily installed and removed, but the device is vulnerable to theft, accidental damage, or sabotage due to inadequate security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating tamper-resistant fasteners that require specialized tools for removal, and by designing a strap assembly with locking mechanisms that prevent unauthorized detachment. These preventive measures are built into the mounting system before any theft or sabotage attempt occurs, effectively countering potential harmful actions in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system combines multiple components with different properties: a flexible strap assembly for adaptation, rigid mounting brackets for structural support, and tamper-resistant fasteners with specialized locking mechanisms. This composite approach integrates security features directly into the mounting system, making removal difficult without proper tools while maintaining ease of legitimate installation.
2Reliability
If a monitoring device is securely fastened to prevent theft and damage, then the device's security and reliability improve, but the device becomes difficult to remove or sabotage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical fastening with a more sophisticated system involving tamper-resistant fasteners that require specialized tools for removal, and a strap assembly with positive locking mechanisms. This substitution maintains security while controlling the difficulty of removal - legitimate maintenance personnel with proper tools can remove the device, but unauthorized individuals cannot.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a monitoring device is mounted on pipe systems with varying diameters and shapes, then the device can be universally applied, but the mounting security and fitment consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an adjustable strap assembly that can be configured to different sizes and shapes. The strap length and tension can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate various pipe diameters, ensuring consistent security and fitment across different pipe configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains mounting reliability while providing universal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes parameter changes by allowing adjustment of strap length, tension, and positioning to match the specific dimensions and geometry of different pipe systems. These adjustable parameters enable the same mounting device to achieve secure, consistent fitment across varying pipe shapes and sizes, maintaining reliability through customization rather than compromise.
Data Source
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AI summary
A monitoring device for a pipe system includes a housing, a housing fastener, and a strap assembly. The housing is configured to mount on an exterior surface of a pipe element of the pipe system. The strap assembly is coupled to the housing with the housing fastener, and the housing fastener is received within the housing to secure the strap assembly to the housing. The strap assembly includes a first strap and a second strap, each of the first strap and the second strap including a mounting end, an adjusting end, and an intermediate portion. The first strap includes an insert tab proximate to the first adjusting end, and the second strap includes a plurality of adjustment slots sized to lockably receive a portion of the insert tab. The insert tab is lockably coupled to the second strap when the monitoring device is tightened.