Unitary Pipe Clamp Adaptor With Living Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamping systems for construction struts lack a secure and adaptable solution for accommodating pipes of varying diameters and expansion, particularly in seismic conditions, due to limited flexibility and compatibility with different strut configurations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clamp adaptor system featuring a unitarily molded cradle with a concave surface and a closure connected by a living hinge, utilizing dovetail projections and compartments for secure engagement, allowing for axial movement and accommodating differential thermal expansion, and a clamp system that secures the adaptor to a construction strut with a metallic member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid pipe clamping system is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different pipe diameters and thermal expansion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a living hinge into the pipe clamp adaptor, transforming a rigid structure into a flexible one. The living hinge allows the closure portion to articulate relative to the base, enabling the clamp to adapt to different pipe diameters and accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unitarily molded adaptor with living hinge is used, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base, closure, and living hinge into a single unitarily molded adaptor component. This integration eliminates the need for separate parts and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated geometry required for the living hinge mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge creates a flexible connection within the unitary structure, allowing the adaptor to bend and adapt to different pipe diameters. This flexible element enables the molded component to achieve the required adaptability without requiring multiple separate parts
3Reliability
If dovetail engagement features are used, then secure engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail engagement features utilize asymmetric geometry with tapered surfaces that provide secure engagement through mechanical interlocking. The asymmetric shape of the dovetail projections and complementary recesses creates a reliable connection between the closure and cradle while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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 system provides a secure, adaptable, and flexible solution for clamping pipes to construction struts, accommodating various pipe diameters and expansions, while ensuring stability and ease of installation, even in seismic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a closure connected to the cradle by a living hinge for articulation between an open condition and a closed condition
Implementation Method 2
first features on the cradle engageable to complementary second features of the closure to hold the closed condition
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe clamp adaptor (50; 300; 400) for securing a pipe (22) comprises the unitarily molded combination of: a cradle (70) having a concave surface (74; 424) for accommodating the pipe and a base surface (72); and a closure (76) connected to the cradle by a living hinge for articulation between an open condition and a closed condition, first features (80) on the cradle engageable to complementary second features (82) of the closure to hold the closed condition.