Pipe Hanger Lock Tab Washer for Vibration-Resistant Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe hangers with nuts and bolts often loosen due to vibrations, posing a risk of pipes falling, especially in seismic or high-traffic areas, as it is difficult to regularly inspect and maintain the tightness of fasteners located high above the ground.
Innovation Solution
A pipe hanger system incorporating a lock tab washer with bent tabs that prevent rotation between the washer, nut, and suspension member, ensuring secure attachment and visibility for easy inspection, using a washer with edge and nut tabs that fold over the suspension member and nut edges to prevent loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nuts and bolts are used to secure pipe hangers, then the assembly is simple to manufacture and install, but the fasteners loosen due to vibrations from seismic events, foot traffic, or fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The lock tab washer is segmented into multiple functional tabs: a first tab that engages with the suspension member to prevent washer rotation, and a second tab that engages with the nut to prevent nut rotation. This segmentation allows each tab to perform a specific locking function, thereby improving fastener security while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock tab washer acts as an intermediary component between the suspension member and the nut. It transfers and distributes the locking function across two engagement points, preventing direct rotational movement between the nut and suspension member while maintaining a simple assembly process.
2Ease of operation
If nuts and bolts are used to secure pipe hangers, then the assembly process is straightforward, but inspection and maintenance of fastener tightness becomes difficult when located high above ground
Solution Approach 1:
The lock tab washer incorporates visual indicators through its tab configuration and positioning. The bent tabs create visible engagement points that can be easily observed from the ground, allowing inspectors to quickly determine whether the washer is properly secured and whether tabs are engaged with the suspension member and nut.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock tab washer provides self-indicating functionality where the engagement state of the tabs visually communicates the security status of the fastener assembly. This eliminates the need for complex inspection tools or procedures when checking fastener tightness at elevated locations.
3Reliability
If a lock tab washer with multiple bent tabs is added to prevent nut loosening, then vibration resistance improves, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock tab washer merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides bearing surface functionality, prevents washer rotation through the first tab, prevents nut rotation through the second tab, and offers visual indication capabilities. This consolidation improves vibration resistance while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by combining rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock tab washer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs mechanical locking in two directions, provides a bearing surface, and offers visual inspection capabilities. This universality allows a single component to address multiple requirements, thereby improving vibration resistance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a pipe hanger includes inserting a threaded rod through a suspension member; placing a lock tab washer on the threaded rod, the lock tab washer defining an edge tab, a nut tab, and a wing extending from the nut tab; threading a nut on the threaded rod, the nut defining a circumferential side defining a first face and a second face, the lock tab washer oriented between the suspension member and the nut; folding the edge tab over a side edge of the suspension member; folding the nut tab over the first face of the circumferential side of the nut; and folding the wing over the second face of the circumferential side of the nut.