Insulated Pipe Clamp With Expansion Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe hanging systems fail to adequately insulate the clamp/pipe interface, leading to condensation issues and inefficiencies, as prior methods either leave the interface uninsulated or use compressible insulations that degrade over time.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, high-density rubber clamp with a first and second portion that encase the pipe, featuring recesses and flanges to secure the pipe within the C-channel, providing a full insulation seal without compression, using a rod member and fastening mechanism to ensure the flanges expand and contact the C-channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a typical metal clamp is used to secure the pipe to the C-channel, then the pipe is mechanically secured, but the clamp/pipe interface remains uninsulated causing condensation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical clamping function and the insulation function into a single integrated component. The clamp body is made of flexible insulating material that simultaneously provides mechanical securing force and thermal insulation at the clamp/pipe interface, eliminating the need for separate insulation materials and preventing condensation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is constructed from flexible insulating material that combines mechanical strength properties with thermal insulation properties. This composite material approach allows the single component to fulfill both structural and insulating functions, resolving the contradiction between mechanical securing and condensation prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spray foam insulation or inserted insulation material is used in the clamp/pipe interface area, then insulation is provided, but the insulation compresses and becomes less efficient over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the insulation material by using flexible insulating material with specific elasticity and density characteristics. This material maintains its insulating properties over time because it can recover from compression and maintain consistent contact with the pipe, preventing the degradation that occurs with spray foam or inserted insulation materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is made from flexible insulating material that can adapt to pipe dimensions and maintain consistent insulating contact. This flexibility allows the material to resist compression degradation and maintain insulation efficiency over time, unlike rigid or compressible insulation materials.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Armaflex insulation pipe hanger is used to secure and insulate the pipe, then the pipe is insulated at the clamp area, but the underneath side remains un-insulated requiring additional spray foam insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping function and complete insulation function into a single component that covers all surfaces of the pipe at the clamp interface, including the underneath side. This integrated design eliminates the need for additional spray foam insulation or other separate insulation materials, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive condensation prevention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If insulated sleeve section is used under the clamp, then insulation is provided, but the insulation is subject to compression causing gaps and pipe movement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is constructed from flexible insulating material that maintains its structural integrity and insulating coverage under compression. The flexibility allows the material to deform with pipe movement while maintaining continuous contact and insulation coverage, preventing gaps that would occur with rigid insulated sleeves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with specific elastic and viscoelastic properties that allow the insulation to maintain its shape and coverage under varying compression conditions. This parameter optimization ensures the insulation remains intact and effective, preventing the compression-induced gaps that occur with traditional insulated sleeves.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate components (clamp, insulation materials, adhesive tape) are used to secure and insulate the pipe, then comprehensive insulation is achieved, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (mechanical clamping, insulation, and sealing) into a single clamp component, eliminating the need for multiple separate materials and installation steps. This consolidation provides complete insulation coverage while significantly reducing installation time and complexity compared to using separate clamps, insulation materials, and adhesive tape.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical securing, thermal insulation, and condensation prevention in a single component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components and materials, reducing both installation time and overall system complexity while achieving complete insulation coverage.
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 clamp provides a durable, efficient insulation at the pipe/C-channel interface, preventing condensation and reducing installation time and costs by integrating insulation into the clamp itself, eliminating the need for additional insulation materials.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp is made from a flexible solid piece of material, such as a high density rubber, capable of insulating a pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated clamp for securing a pipe to a conventional C-channel including first and second portions each having a recess associated therewith for receiving a portion of a pipe to be positioned therebetween, the first portion including a pair of flanges receivable within the C-channel, an expansion device positioned between the pair of flanges for moving the flanges into engagement with the C-channel, and a coupling mechanism for attaching the first and second portions to each other. The coupling mechanism is engageable with the expansion device to move the pair of flanges into their engaged position with the C-channel when the first and second clamp portions are attached to each other.