Hydronic system having tube-supporting brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydronic heating systems face challenges in mounting tubes in configurations where suspension in inter-joist spaces beneath the floor is not feasible, and there is a need for simplified installation methods and brackets.
Innovation Solution
A hydronic system utilizing tubular braces extending between joists or studs, with various types of support brackets affixed to these braces, including tube-supporting brackets with elastic gripping portions and flexible designs to secure tubing, allowing for installation in alternative configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If tubes are suspended in inter-joist spaces beneath the floor using traditional hangers, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but installation complexity increases and adaptability to different configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular brackets that can be independently installed on joists or studs. Each bracket is a separate component that can be attached to the tubular brace and then used to support tubes, allowing for simplified installation while maintaining heat transfer efficiency through proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets are designed to be universally applicable to different structural configurations. They can be installed on either joists for floor heating or studs for wall heating, and can support tubes in various orientations, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining adaptability across different heating applications.
2Temperature
If traditional hangers are used to suspend tubes, then heat transfer is enhanced, but the system loses adaptability to alternative mounting configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The brackets serve multiple functions: they can be mounted on joists for floor heating applications or on studs for wall heating applications. The same bracket design accommodates different tube positions and orientations, providing universal adaptability while maintaining effective heat transfer through optimized tube support positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates adjustable features that allow installation personnel to adapt the mounting configuration to different structural conditions. The brackets can be positioned at various heights and angles along the tubular brace, providing dynamic adaptability to achieve optimal heat transfer in diverse installation scenarios.
3Reliability
If complex installation methods are used to mount hydronic systems in alternative configurations, then system reliability improves, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brackets are pre-designed and pre-configured with all necessary mounting features, including attachment points for the tubular brace and support structures for the tubes. This preliminary design eliminates the need for complex field modifications or custom fabrication, thereby maintaining system reliability while significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with all mounting components and instructions included. The modular design allows installation personnel to quickly assemble the system without requiring specialized tools or extensive training, reducing installation time while ensuring proper system reliability through consistent, repeatable installation procedures.
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
Enables efficient installation of hydronic systems in diverse configurations, enhancing heat transfer and simplifying the installation process while using environmentally friendly materials like crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.
Implementation Method 1
The tube-gripping portion may comprise a mouth region that flexes open to receive and grip the tube
Implementation Method 2
A hydronic system includes a tubular brace extending either from the first joist to the second joist or from the first stud to the second stud
Implementation Method 3
A hydronic system includes a tube to carry water (or other fluid) for heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A hydronic system includes a tube to carry water for heat transfer. The tube either extends in an inter-joist space beneath a floor between a first joist and a second joist or extends in a wall space between a first stud and a second stud. The system includes a tubular brace extending either from the first joist to the second joist or from the first stud to the second stud. The system includes a pair of surface-mountable tube-supporting brackets mounted to surfaces of the first and second joists, or to surfaces of the first and second studs. Each of the pair of surface-mountable tube-supporting brackets has a tube-gripping portion to receive and grip the tubular brace.