Pipe clamp, piping system, and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of piping systems in air conditioners is time-consuming due to the use of cable ties for mounting rubber blocks, which varies in tightness based on operator strength, affecting reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clamp with adjustable clamping grooves and reinforcement frames that securely hold pipes, eliminating the need for cable ties and ensuring consistent assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cable ties are used to mount rubber blocks on pipes, then the assembly process can be completed, but the assembly time is excessive and the tightness consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe clamp is divided into multiple independent clamping grooves, each capable of securing a pipe individually. This segmentation allows for standardized, repeatable assembly operations across multiple pipes simultaneously, improving efficiency while maintaining consistent tightness through uniform groove geometry rather than variable manual cable tie tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping groove structure is designed to automatically secure pipes through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for additional fastening elements like cable ties. The groove shape itself provides the clamping force, making the assembly process self-contained and removing time-consuming manual tightening and cutting operations.
2Reliability
If cable ties are used to secure pipes, then the pipes can be fixed, but the tightness varies due to operator strength differences, affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from variable tension (cable tie tightness dependent on operator strength) to fixed geometric parameters (clamping groove dimensions). The groove width, depth, and shape are precisely controlled during manufacturing, ensuring that each pipe receives identical clamping force regardless of which operator performs the assembly, thereby eliminating operator dependency and improving mounting consistency.
3Strength
If multiple pipes are connected to a single pipe clamp, then the load capacity increases and vibration is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe clamp is designed as a multi-functional component with multiple clamping grooves that can accommodate different pipe configurations. A single clamp structure serves the universal purpose of securing one or more pipes, eliminating the need for multiple separate clamps or additional fastening elements. This multi-functionality increases load capacity and reduces vibration while maintaining relatively simple structure through geometric design rather than added components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a pipe clamp, a piping system including the pipe clamp, and an air conditioner. The piping clamp (100) is used for the piping system of the air conditioner. The pipe clamp (100) includes a pipe clamp body (110) having a plurality of clamping grooves (111) arranged side by side. The clamping groove (111) extends through two opposite sides of the pipe clamp body (110) to be adapted to a pipe (200). The clamping groove (111) has an opening (112) at a side of the clamping groove (111). The opening (112) has a width smaller than an outer diameter of the pipe (200). The opening (112) has an adjustable opening size. The opening (112) is adapted to allow the pipe (200) to be clamped into the clamping groove (111) via the opening (112). The use of the pipe clamp to connect a plurality of pipes eliminates operation steps of cutting and tightening a cable tie, which improves assembly efficiency and mounting consistency of the pipe.