Pipe clamp with segmented ears and recessed seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps often require full disassembly to install pipes, lack substantial loading capabilities, and do not provide adequate acoustic dampening.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clamp design that allows for easy opening to large angles without full disassembly, featuring elongate slots and recessed seats on ears of the clamping members, and the use of non-metallic liners with thin walls and internal compartments for enhanced load ratings and acoustic dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pipe clamps are used, then the clamp structure is simple, but full disassembly is required to install pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into two separable clamp halves that can be opened and closed around the pipe. Each half has corresponding engagement features that allow them to connect securely when closed, enabling pipe installation without complete disassembly while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates a dynamic opening mechanism where the two clamp halves can be separated to large angles and remain held open during installation. This dynamic capability allows the clamp to transition between closed (securement) and open (installation) states without requiring full disassembly of the entire clamp structure.
2Strength
If conventional pipe clamps are used, then the clamp structure is simple, but loading capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates non-metallic liners with thin walls and internal compartments that are integrated with the metallic clamp halves. These composite structures combine the strength and rigidity of metal with the dampening and load-distributing properties of non-metallic materials, enhancing overall loading capability while managing complexity through material composition rather than structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp features localized reinforcement through ribs and flanges positioned at specific high-stress areas. The non-metallic liners are strategically placed in contact regions with the pipe to distribute loads and reduce stress concentrations. This localized quality enhancement improves loading capability without requiring complex overall structural redesign.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional pipe clamps are used, then the clamp structure is simple, but acoustic dampening is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
Non-metallic liners are integrated into the clamp structure, combining metallic and non-metallic materials to achieve both structural integrity and acoustic dampening. The non-metallic portion absorbs vibrations and reduces noise transmission, while the thin-walled design with internal compartments optimizes dampening efficiency without excessive complexity.
4Ease of operation
If elongate slots and recessed seats are added to ears, then pipe installation becomes easier, but clamp structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ears of the clamp halves are segmented into functional zones: elongate slots for fastener movement and adjustment, recessed seats for securement, and engagement features for connecting clamp halves. This segmentation of functional elements within the ear structures enables easy pipe installation through intuitive fastener operation while organizing complexity into manageable, purpose-specific features.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A clamp (120) for securing a pipe using first and second fasteners (140, 142) comprises first and second clamping members (124, 122). Each includes a respective clamping portion (130, 128) to engage the pipe, and a set of ears (138, 136, 134, 132). The ears extend from opposite sides of the respective clamping portion, with a first/second ear (136, 132/138, 134) for receiving the first/second fastener (140/142), to secure the clamping members together. The first ear (136) includes a mounting portion (172) including a recessed seat (190) for receiving a head of the first fastener and a closed slot (170) extending through the first ear in a direction away from the clamping portion (130) and into the recessed seat allowing the first clamping member to move relative to the second clamping member between closed and open configurations. The recessed seat provides a seat portion (190a) and seating surface (186).