Load Cell and Gap Sensor for Pipe Support Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load measurement apparatuses are inadequate for structural member (such as beam) typed pipe supports, leading to installation errors and excessive load issues due to the lack of a suitable measurement tool, resulting in unsupported loads and potential pipe support collapse.
Innovation Solution
A load measurement apparatus comprising a load cell with a movable contact portion and a gap sensor, allowing for accurate on-spot measurement of loads on both clamp and hanger rod typed and structural member typed pipe supports, utilizing a simple and lightweight design with a display for load-gap correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional load measurement apparatus is used for clamp and hanger rod typed pipe support, then load measurement is possible, but the apparatus cannot measure structural member typed pipe support load and requires complicated auxiliary devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a load measurement apparatus that can measure both clamp and hanger rod typed pipe supports and structural member typed pipe supports using the same basic device. The apparatus eliminates the need for different measurement methods for different support types, achieving multi-functionality while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the conventional apparatus by removing complicated auxiliary devices such as oil pressure cylinders and multiple supports. The core load cell and gap sensor combination is extracted as the minimal necessary components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining measurement capability for all pipe support types.
2Measurement precision
If conventional equipment with auxiliary devices is used, then load measurement can be performed, but installation time and costs increase due to complicated structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary auxiliary devices from the conventional measurement system. By using only the essential load cell and gap sensor components, the apparatus dramatically reduces installation time and cost while maintaining measurement precision through the direct contact portion design that accurately transfers load to the load cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus applies self-service by enabling on-spot measurement directly at the pipe support location without requiring complex auxiliary equipment setup. The load cell with contact portion can be directly installed on the pipe support structure, allowing the system to serve itself by providing accurate measurement at the actual measurement location without needing additional support structures or complex installation procedures.
3Reliability
If no measurement apparatus for structural member typed pipe support exists, then installation errors and excessive load issues go undetected, but accurate on-spot measurement is required to prevent pipe support collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a measurement apparatus that can be directly installed on the pipe support structure itself. The load cell with contact portion serves the dual function of both measuring the load and providing structural support during measurement, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary support structures and enhancing the reliability of the measurement process for ensuring pipe support safety.
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 rapid and accurate measurement of actual loads on pipe supports, preventing excessive loads and ensuring safe operation by determining if measured loads exceed designed values, applicable to both clamp and hanger rod and structural member typed supports.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell (100) which comprises a contact portion (110) contacting a pipe (10), and a measuring portion for measuring load acting from the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a gap sensor which measures a gap between the pipe support and the pipe, which is generated by a movement of the contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring load acting on pipe supports, the apparatus including a load cell which includes a contact portion contacting a pipe, and a measuring portion for measuring load acting from the pipe; and a gap sensor which measures a gap between the pipe support and the pipe, which is generated by a movement of the contact portion, wherein the load acting on the pipe support is measured based on the load measured by the load cell and the gap measured by the gap sensor.