Grommet for Metal Stud with Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grommets for guiding pipes through metal studs in wall structures fail to effectively isolate vibrations and are not suitable for use with differently shaped or sized apertures, leading to friction issues during pipe installation.
Innovation Solution
A grommet design featuring a plastic sleeve with a radial flange and vibration isolating body, comprising flange sections that lock into place within the stud hole, and a pair of coupled grommet halves with elastomeric rings and coupling members, providing vibration isolation and low friction sliding for pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid grommet is used to secure pipes through metal studs, then the pipe is firmly held in place, but vibrations from the pipe are transferred to the stud structure
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet combines a rigid plastic sleeve with a flexible elastomeric body. The rigid plastic provides structural support and secure retention for the pipe, while the elastomeric material absorbs and isolates vibrations, preventing them from transferring to the metal stud structure. This composite construction resolves the contradiction between firm retention and vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric body acts as an intermediary between the rigid plastic sleeve and the metal stud. It mediates the interaction by providing a compliant interface that secures the pipe while absorbing vibrational energy, thus preventing direct vibration transfer to the stud structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an elastomeric grommet is used to isolate vibrations, then vibrations are effectively isolated, but the grommet engages narrowly on the pipe making it difficult to pass long pipes through multiple grommets
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a rigid plastic sleeve that provides a large-bore passage for easy pipe installation, and a flexible elastomeric body that provides vibration isolation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the grommet have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The rigid plastic sleeve provides structural support and a smooth passage for pipe insertion, while the elastomeric portion provides compliance and vibration absorption. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and vibration isolation.
3Reliability
If a grommet is designed to fit specific hole sizes, then it provides secure retention, but it cannot be used with differently shaped or sized apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet design with its radial flange and flexible elastomeric body allows it to adapt to various aperture shapes and sizes. The flange provides a universal mounting interface on the stud, while the elastomeric body can deform to accommodate different hole geometries, making the grommet versatile for various applications while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric body provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the grommet to deform and conform to different aperture shapes during installation, then maintain secure retention once installed. This dynamic flexibility enables universal compatibility across different stud hole configurations.
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 solution effectively isolates vibrations from pipes, allows for use with various stud hole shapes and sizes, and ensures low friction during pipe installation, preventing damage and ensuring secure retention within the stud.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration isolating body having a substantially cylindrical portion having on one end a radial flange and on another end one or more flange sections
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric seal portion
Implementation Method 3
Said flange sections are adapted to be passed through the hole in the stud when said flange of the vibration isolating body is brought in engagement with the stud
Implementation Method 4
providing vibration isolation and low friction sliding for pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet for a hole in a metal stud includes a plastic sleeve having a radial flange, and a vibration isolating body having a substantially cylindrical portion having on one of its ends a radial flange and on the other end one or more flange sections, such flange section being adapted to be passed through the hole in the stud when the flange of the vibration isolating body is brought in engagement with the stud, and the sleeve being adapted to be inserted into the substantially cylindrical portion of the vibration isolating body beyond the flange section until the radial flange of the plastic sleeve engages the isolating ring, whereby the radial flange sections are locked in an outward position and the edge of the hole in the stud is at least partially locked between the two flanges, thus fixing the grommet in the hole.