Offset Hanger with Ribs for Structural Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offset hangers used to mount utilities like pipes and conduits lack structural rigidity and ease of mounting, often requiring complex manufacturing processes and higher costs, while also failing to adequately distribute cantilevered forces as per building codes.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed offset hanger with a central retainer portion and legs, featuring ribs and gussets for reinforcement, and notches or tapered ribs to enhance flexure and accommodate various pipe sizes, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional offset hangers are used to mount utilities, then mounting functionality is provided, but structural rigidity is insufficient and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offset hanger body is segmented into multiple functional portions: a first leg portion for mounting to the support surface, a second leg portion for mounting to the utility, and a central retainer portion. These portions are connected through bent regions, creating a segmented structure that improves rigidity while maintaining manufacturability through integral forming
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger incorporates three-dimensional geometric features including bent regions that transition between legs and a central retainer portion, and ribs that extend in multiple directions. This dimensional complexity provides structural reinforcement without requiring multiple separate components, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and manufacturing simplicity
2Reliability
If offset hangers are designed with adequate force distribution, then building code requirements are met, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations on the offset hanger body where force distribution is needed most. The first and second ribs extend from the central retainer portion toward the legs, providing localized reinforcement that enhances force distribution while maintaining overall structural rigidity through targeted rather than universal reinforcement
3Loss of substance
If material usage is reduced to lower costs, then manufacturing costs decrease, but structural rigidity and force distribution may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The integral structure is divided into functional segments (legs, central retainer, ribs) that each serve specific purposes. This segmentation allows material to be concentrated where structurally necessary while minimizing material in non-critical areas, achieving cost reduction without sacrificing rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
Three-dimensional rib structures extend from the central retainer portion, providing structural reinforcement in multiple directions with minimal additional material. This dimensional approach creates efficient load paths that enhance rigidity without requiring proportional increases in material usage
Data Source
AI summary
An offset hanger has a central retainer portion, a first leg and a second leg. The central retainer portion defines a segment of a generally cylindrical shape and retains a conduit, pipe, tube or the like.