Segmented Pipe Support Clamp for Continuous Insulation Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting clamps require multiple sizes to accommodate different pipe diameters and insulation thicknesses, leading to inventory challenges and installation complexities, as they compress the outer periphery of insulation rather than providing continuous coverage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece clamp body with first and second clamp sections, featuring engagement profiles and snap-lock mechanisms, that securely fits a predetermined pipe size while accommodating a range of insulation sizes by engaging the insulation on both sides with radially extending teeth, ensuring continuous insulation coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting clamps compress the outer periphery of insulation, then the clamp can accommodate different pipe diameters, but the insulation coverage becomes discontinuous and multiple clamp sizes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into a first clamp section and a second clamp section that can be assembled together. Each section has opposing contact surfaces that contact opposite sides of the insulation, allowing the insulation to wrap continuously around the pipe without being compressed at the joint interface between clamp sections
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of compressing the insulation radially from the outside (outer periphery), the clamp contacts the insulation from the inside through the passageway, applying force in the axial direction at the ends of the pipe. This dimensional change allows continuous insulation coverage while accommodating various pipe diameters
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional clamps require multiple sizes for different insulation thicknesses, then specific pipe sizes can be accommodated, but inventory complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is designed with a passageway and contact surfaces that can accommodate a range of insulation thicknesses and pipe diameters within a predetermined size range. The engagement profiles and snap-lock mechanisms provide universal securing capability across different insulation sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamp sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp sections are designed to be movable between an open configuration (for installation) and a closed configuration (for securing). This dynamic capability allows the same clamp design to adapt to different pipe and insulation size combinations without requiring multiple static clamp sizes
3Ease of operation
If the clamp compresses insulation from the outer periphery, then installation is simpler, but the insulation coverage becomes discontinuous at the compression point
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is segmented into first and second clamp sections with opposing contact surfaces that contact opposite sides of the insulation. This segmentation allows the insulation to maintain continuous coverage around the pipe, as the clamp sections close together without creating a compression gap or discontinuity in the insulation layer
Data Source
AI summary
A support clamp is provided for supporting an elongate object. The support clamp can include a clamp body that forms a cylindrical sleeve and a collar that extends radially inwardly from the cylindrical sleeve to provide an internal passageway sized to receive the elongate object. The clamp body can include first and second clamp sections that can each have, respectively, a sleeve wall that forms part of the cylindrical sleeve and a collar wall that forms part of the collar and includes an edge that extends radially between the sleeve wall and the internal passage. The edge of the first clamp section can include a channel profile, and the edge of the second clamp section can include a protruding profile. The protruding profile can be received into the channel profile to removably secure the first and second clamp sections together.