Lockable Pipe Shield Tabs to Prevent Hanger Slippage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support assemblies face issues with pipe insulation slipping during expansion and contraction cycles or vibrations, leading to potential damage to insulation and pipes due to load-bearing restraints.
Innovation Solution
A lockable pipe shield with bendable lock tabs that secure to a pipe hanger, preventing lateral movement and maintaining insulation integrity by distributing load away from the insulation-bearing end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If restraint features are added to the bottom of the pipe shield to reduce slipping, then the pipe shield stability improves, but the insulation and pipe are damaged due to load-bearing restraints
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint feature is extracted from the load-bearing bottom surface and relocated to the non-load-bearing upper edge of the pipe shield. This allows the restraint feature to provide stability without interfering with the insulation and pipe support function, thereby eliminating the damage caused by load-bearing restraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper edge restraint feature acts as an intermediary that provides stability through friction engagement with the hanger arm, while the load path remains separate through the bottom surface. This intermediary restraint mechanism prevents slipping without compromising the insulation and pipe integrity.
2Reliability
If the pipe shield is made secure to prevent slipping during vibrations, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint feature utilizes the existing friction between the pipe shield upper edge and the hanger arm to provide stabilization. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional complex restraint components, achieving reliability improvement without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper edge of the pipe shield serves dual functions: maintaining the structural integrity of the shield and providing a restraint surface for preventing slippage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate restraint components, thereby avoiding increased complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable pipe shield includes a substantially curved shield body defining a first upper shield edge and a second upper shield edge opposite the first upper shield edge; a first lock tab formed monolithically with the shield body at the first upper shield edge and bent relative to the shield body to extend in a first direction, a first hanger engagement channel defined between the first lock tab and shield body; and a second lock tab formed monolithically with the shield body at the second upper shield edge and bent relative to the shield body to extend in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction, a second hanger engagement channel defined between the second lock tab and the shield body.