Pipe Clamp Structure for Large-Angle Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe clamps lack the ability to securely install pipes without full disassembly, especially when pipes are already partially suspended, and they often require disassembly for large pipes, which complicates installation and may not provide sufficient load ratings or acoustic dampening.
Innovation Solution
The pipe clamp design features ears with recessed seats and elongate slots that allow for a large open angle without disassembly, combined with non-metallic liners for improved load ratings and acoustic performance, enabling secure installation of large pipes and enhanced structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pipe clamps are used, then the clamp structure is simple, but the clamp cannot open to a large angle without full disassembly, complicating installation of large pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate clamping members (first and second clamping members), each with its own ear and fastener attachment points. This segmentation allows independent movement and positioning of each member, enabling the clamp to open to large angles while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying installation of large pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ears are designed with elongate slots that allow dynamic adjustment and pivoting of the clamping members relative to each other. This dynamic configuration enables the clamp to open to angles greater than 180 degrees while the fasteners remain engaged through the elongate slots, facilitating easy installation without full disassembly.
2Strength
If conventional pipe clamps are used, then the clamp structure is simple, but the load rating and acoustic dampening are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates non-metallic liners in addition to the metal clamping members. These liners provide enhanced load distribution, improved acoustic dampening, and increased overall strength. The composite structure of metal clamping members combined with non-metallic liners achieves superior load rating and acoustic performance while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the clamp is designed for large open angles, then installation of large pipes is facilitated, but the secure engagement of fasteners becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate slots in the ears are designed to accommodate the fasteners throughout the full range of motion. As the clamping members pivot to large angles, the fasteners move along the elongate slots rather than requiring precise alignment holes. This dynamic engagement mechanism maintains secure fastener attachment while enabling large open angles for pipe installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate slots act as intermediaries between the fasteners and the clamping members. They provide a guided path that allows the fasteners to remain engaged with the clamping members during large-angle pivoting, ensuring reliable connection while facilitating easy installation operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A clamp (20, 120) for securing a pipe using first and second fasteners can include a first clamping member (22, 124) and a second clamping member (24, 124). Each clamping member can include a respective clamping portion (28, 30; 128, 130) configured to engage the pipe, and a respective set of two ears (32 and 34; 36 and 38; 132 and 134; 136 and 138). The ears of each of the clamping members can extend from opposite sides of the respective clamping portion, with a first ear being configured to receive a first fastener (40, 140) and a second ear being configured to receive a second fastener (42, 142), to secure the first and second clamping members together. Each of the first and the second ears of the first clamping member can include a recessed seat (190, 192) to receive a head of the first or the second fastener, respectively.