Modular Pipe Support Layout With Under-Slung Cable Trays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipe and cable support structures require significant vertical space, leading to inefficient space use, increased construction and maintenance complexity, and stability issues due to high center of gravity, necessitating costly materials and sequential installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular support structure with cable trays located below lower pipe support frames, allowing simultaneous assembly and installation of pipes and cables at ground level, reducing overall height and center of gravity, and enabling efficient space utilization and safer maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If cable trays are installed above pipes at elevated levels, then pipes can be supported with adequate clearance, but space utilization becomes inefficient and construction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing cable trays below the pipe support structure instead of above it. This inversion allows pipes to be supported at elevated levels with adequate clearance while cable trays occupy the previously underutilized space below, thereby improving space utilization and simplifying construction by enabling simultaneous installation of both pipes and cables at ground level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reorganizes the vertical arrangement of components by moving cable trays from the vertical dimension above pipes to the horizontal dimension below pipe supports. This dimensional change optimizes space utilization by utilizing the previously wasted space beneath the pipe support structure and eliminates the need for sequential installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If pipe support structures are made taller to provide clearance, then pipes can be properly supported, but structural stability decreases due to increased center of gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclearance spaceVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical arrangement by placing cable trays below the pipe support structure rather than above it. This inversion lowers the overall center of gravity of the structure while maintaining adequate clearance for pipes, thereby improving structural stability without sacrificing the required clearance space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional sequential installation is used, then pipes and cable trays can be installed separately, but construction time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the installation processes for pipes and cable trays into a single coordinated operation. By positioning cable trays below the pipe support structure, both components can be installed simultaneously at ground level using the same equipment and crew, eliminating the need for sequential installation and significantly reducing construction time and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary positioning of cable trays at ground level before pipe installation begins. This preliminary action allows cable trays to be in place and ready for cable installation while pipes are being installed above, facilitating parallel work streams and reducing overall construction time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If cable trays are placed above pipes, then cable support is achieved, but maintenance and construction safety risks increase due to elevated work requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable supportVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing cable trays below the pipe support structure instead of above it. This inversion allows cable trays to be installed and maintained at ground level, eliminating the safety risks associated with working at elevated heights while still providing adequate support for cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20260071699A1Modular system for supporting pipes and cables and method for installation thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 BUNCH WELDING LTD

AI summary

A system is provided for supporting pipes and cables at a processing facility. The system includes: an upper pipe support frame, fitable with one or more pipe sections; a lower pipe support frame, fitable with one or more pipe sections, said lower pipe support frame configured to be joined at an upper end thereof with the upper pipe support frame, once the one or more pipe sections are fitted to the upper pipe support frame and the lower pipe support frame; and a cable tray, connectable to one or more foundation posts at the processing facility and runnable with one or more cables. The joined upper and lower pipe support frames are fixable above the cable tray and cables such that a height of the lower pipe support frame above the cable tray provides a minimal clearance required for the cables. A method is further provided for assembling a support structure for supporting pipes and cables.