Mechanical Outlet Strap Assembly for Faster Tee Joint Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of saddle type mechanical outlets for forming Tee joints is time-consuming and difficult, especially in crowded or hard-to-reach locations, as it requires handling multiple separate parts.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical outlet with a saddle and duct that includes an adjustable strap with a hook assembly, allowing for quick assembly and secure attachment of a pipe element, and a factory preassembled state that simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of parts to handle and requiring only one bolt to be tightened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If saddle type mechanical outlets use multiple separate parts for forming Tee joints, then the connection can be secure and reliable, but the installation becomes time-consuming and difficult in crowded locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate parts (saddle, strap, fasteners) into a factory preassembled mechanical outlet unit where the strap is preattached to the saddle. This merging reduces the number of components technicians must handle during installation while maintaining the secure connection reliability of the original multi-part design.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is preassembled and prepositioned on the saddle during manufacturing, with fasteners preattached and positioned. This preliminary action eliminates the need for technicians to assemble multiple parts during installation, significantly reducing installation time while preserving connection reliability.
2Reliability
If saddle type mechanical outlets require handling four or more separate parts, then the connection can be properly secured, but the installation difficulty increases in awkwardly positioned locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate parts into a single factory preassembled unit, reducing the number of components from four or more to one integrated outlet. This improves ease of operation by allowing technicians to install the outlet as a single unit, especially beneficial in crowded or awkwardly positioned locations, while maintaining connection security through the preassembled strap and fastener system.
3Productivity
If the strap is factory preassembled to the saddle, then the number of parts to handle is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap and fasteners are preassembled to the saddle during manufacturing, creating a factory preassembled mechanical outlet. This preliminary action simplifies field installation by reducing the number of parts to handle, improving productivity, while the added complexity is absorbed during manufacturing rather than installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical outlet forms a Tee joint by using a strap to cinch a pipe element to a saddle having a duct. One end of the strap and saddle are attached via an adjustable fastener. Angularly oriented action and reaction surfaces on the saddle and strap engage one another when the fastener is tightened to place a tensile load on the strap which substantially conforms to the pipe element and compresses it against the saddle. The opposite ends of the strap and saddle engage one another via a yoke and enlarged head, allowing those ends to be disengaged to permit insertion of the pipe element between strap and saddle.