Horizontal Pipe Clamp Support for Four-Direction Seismic Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support devices for buildings are complex and costly, struggling to effectively absorb both longitudinal and transverse vibrations during earthquakes, and often require double installation processes, which complicates the installation and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a clamp member and two supports, where the clamp member is divided into semi-arc or quarter-arc shapes with adjustable angles, allowing for simplified installation and manufacturing, and featuring angle display and stopper mechanisms to ensure proper alignment and prevent angles less than 30 degrees, thereby reducing installation complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clamps and connection portions are used to absorb longitudinal and transverse vibrations, then earthquake resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamps (first clamp, second clamp, third clamp) and connection portions into a single integrated support structure. The support includes a vertical portion and an inclined portion that work together to provide both longitudinal and transverse vibration absorption, eliminating the need for separate clamp assemblies and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining earthquake resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides longitudinal vibration absorption through the vertical portion, transverse vibration absorption through the inclined portion, and structural support for the pipe. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple clamps and connection portions are used to absorb longitudinal and transverse vibrations, then earthquake resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple clamps and connection portions into a single support structure that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes, material requirements, and assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining the earthquake resistance provided by the multi-directional vibration absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure performs multiple functions (longitudinal vibration absorption, transverse vibration absorption, and structural support) within a single component, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate parts. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable earthquake resistance.
3Reliability
If supports are installed after hanger installation, then pipe support function is achieved, but installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hanger function and support function into a single integrated structure. The support includes a vertical portion that can serve as the hanger for suspending the pipe, and an inclined portion that provides the support function. This eliminates the need for separate hanger installation followed by support installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable pipe support functionality.
4Manufacturing precision
If clamp is divided into semi-arc or quarter-arc shapes with adjustable angles, then installation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric arc shapes (semi-arc or quarter-arc) for the clamp portions instead of symmetric circular clamps. The vertical portion and inclined portion have specific angular relationships (with the inclined portion forming an angle of 30-60 degrees with the horizontal) that provide precise installation geometry. This asymmetric design improves installation angle accuracy while the modular nature of the clamps keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for supporting a horizontal pipe in four directions including: a clamp member fixed while surrounding a pipe, and a first support and a second support which are coupled to a bracket of which one end is coupled to the clamp member and the other end is fixed to a slab. The clamp member is constituted by a first member formed in a semi-arc shape, a second member formed in an arc shape at an angle of 120° to 150°, and a third member formed at an angle of 30° to 60° from a vertical direction.