Non-Conductive Pipe Support Stands Without Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support stands for metallic pipes and piping materials require electrical bonding or grounding to prevent static electricity discharge, which is labor-intensive and expensive.

Innovation Solution

Development of non-conductive support stands made from materials like concrete, polymer concrete, or plastics, featuring a pedestal, saddle, and base with adjustable height and apertures or slots for object support, eliminating the need for electrical grounding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic support stands are used to support pipes, then structural strength and stability are improved, but electrical bonding and grounding requirements increase labor and costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conductive (metal) to non-conductive (polymer concrete), which eliminates the need for electrical bonding and grounding while maintaining structural support functionality. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful electrical conductivity property that causes installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses polymer concrete, a composite material combining polymer resins with cementitious materials, to create a support stand that provides both structural strength and electrical non-conductivity. This composite material simultaneously satisfies the strength requirement while eliminating grounding requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If metallic support stands are used to support pipes, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but electrical bonding requirements increase time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter from conductive to non-conductive, which eliminates the time-consuming electrical bonding process while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity through the engineered polymer concrete formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, self-contained non-conductive support structure that requires no additional grounding components or electrical connections, thereby reducing installation time and complexity without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If non-conductive materials are used for support stands, then electrical bonding requirements are eliminated, but material strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidmaterial strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polymer concrete, a composite material that combines the strength properties of cementitious materials with the non-conductive properties of polymer resins. This composite provides both adequate structural strength and electrical non-conductivity, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and material strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the material composition parameters to achieve optimal balance between strength and non-conductivity. By adjusting the polymer-to-cement ratio and selecting appropriate polymer types, the support stand achieves sufficient load-bearing capacity while maintaining electrical isolation properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11862360B2Non-conductive support stands
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 HUBBELL INC
  • US11862360B2 patent drawing
  • US11862360B2 patent drawing
  • US11862360B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A support stand made of a non-conductive material and having a saddle, pedestal and a base used to support objects is provided. The pedestal supports the saddle and the base supports the pedestal. The saddle has a support member used to support objects and one or more flanges used to support objects. The saddle, pedestal and base are formed of a non-conductive material.