Pipe Hanger With Pivoting Lower Part and Tilt Abutment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe hangers either have cumbersome installation processes due to the need to hold the weight of the pipe during bolt insertion, leading to a rigid and solid structure, or provide a less rigid and solid structure with easier installation but reduced stability.
Innovation Solution
A pipe hanger design that allows for easy installation by pivoting the lower hanger part to a maximum angle, limiting tilt with a flange or abutment, enabling the pipe to be supported without manual holding, and securing with a locking bolt for a rigid and solid structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a transverse locking bolt is used to connect upper and lower hanger parts, then the hanger structure becomes rigid and solid, but the installation becomes cumbersome requiring manual holding of the pipe weight
Solution Approach 1:
The lower hanger part is designed to pivot dynamically during installation, allowing the installer to swing it into position without manual holding. The pivot connection transforms the static assembly process into a dynamic one where gravity and momentum assist the installation, eliminating the need for two-handed operation while maintaining structural integrity when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger is divided into separable upper and lower parts connected by a pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows the lower part to be independently positioned and swung into place, then securely connected to the upper part via the locking bolt, combining ease of installation with structural rigidity.
2Ease of operation
If the lower hanger part is made bendable to enable snap closing, then installation becomes easier, but the hanger structure becomes less rigid and solid
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the hanger part bendable, the invention uses a pivot connection that allows controlled rotational movement during installation. The lower hanger part remains rigid throughout the process, swinging into position under its own weight and then locking securely, maintaining both installation ease and structural rigidity.
3Ease of operation
If the lower hanger part is allowed to pivot freely, then installation becomes easier, but the pipe may roll out during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection is designed with asymmetric geometry where the lower hanger part can swing outward for installation but is constrained to tilt inward by the tilt limiting abutment. This asymmetric design allows easy installation while preventing pipe roll-out, as the abutment blocks the inward tilting motion that would cause the pipe to escape.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe hanger comprises generally U-shaped upper and lower hanger parts, and a locking bolt for interconnecting the upper and lower part. The lower hanger part has a saddle portion for supporting a pipe. One of the arms of the upper hanger part has a hook formed on a lower end. The corresponding arm of the lower hanger part has an aperture that is arranged over the hook. The same arm of the lower hanger part has at its end a tilt limiting abutment. In an open state of the pipe hanger the lower hanger part can be suspended from the hook and is allowed to swivel until the tilt limiting abutment abuts the corresponding arm of the upper hanger part. The other arm of the lower hanger part has a bore for the locking bolt to lock the lower hanger part and upper hanger part in the closed position.