Integrated Fastener for Pipes and Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for securing pipes and electrical conduit require multiple small components and tools, making installation difficult, especially overhead, and are not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system that secures pipes and electrical conduit without screws, using a blunt object like a hammer, and is adaptable for various materials and applications, featuring a design with a perimeter that forms an arc or hook-like portion and includes teeth or spikes for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamps and straps are used to secure pipes and electrical conduit, then secure attachment is achieved, but multiple small fastening components and tools are required, increasing device complexity and installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fastening components (clamp body, fastening element, and attachment mechanism) into a single integrated fastener unit. The fastening element is directly attached to the clamp body, eliminating the need for separate screws, nails, or other small fastening components. This merging reduces the number of parts from multiple discrete components to a unified device that can be installed with a single tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed with universal applicability across different materials and applications. The clamp body can accommodate various pipe and conduit sizes, while the fastening element can be adapted to different surface materials (wood, metal, masonry). The design allows a single device to perform multiple functions: securing pipes, electrical conduit, and potentially other applications, eliminating the need for different specialized fasteners for different materials.
2Reliability
If screws and nails are used for installation, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation becomes difficult especially overhead, and requires multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the installation process itself. Instead of requiring separate fastening components to be attached during installation, the fastening element is pre-attached to the clamp body in a factory setting. This extraction of the fastening mechanism from the field installation process eliminates the need for electricians or plumbers to handle small fastening components at the job site, reducing installation difficulty especially for overhead work.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is pre-positioned and pre-attached to the clamp body before delivery to the job site. This preliminary action of attaching the fastening mechanism in advance allows the installer to simply drive a single fastening element through both the clamp and the substrate material in one motion, rather than having to separately attach multiple components during installation. This preliminary preparation significantly simplifies the installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different types of screws and drill bits are carried for various materials, then adaptability is improved, but loss of small components increases and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design incorporates universal features that allow it to work with different materials and applications. The clamp body can be adjusted or selected for different pipe and conduit sizes, while the fastening element can penetrate various substrate materials (wood, metal, masonry). This universality means a single type of fastener can be used across different job requirements, eliminating the need to carry multiple specialized fastening components that are prone to being lost.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the clamp body and fastening element into a single integrated unit with a unified attachment mechanism, the patent eliminates the separation of fastening components that leads to loss. Instead of having separate screws, nails, or anchors that can be misplaced during installation, the entire fastening system is delivered as one piece, ensuring nothing is lost during the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for fastening pipes or electrical conduit can be installed with the optional use of nails or screws. The fastener includes sharp teeth or spikes which can be hammered into an external surface, such as wood or masonry. The teeth or spikes are positioned, oriented, and otherwise configured to best suit the intended application. Installation can be accomplished using only the fastener itself and force exceeding a minimal threshold.