Pipe Hanger Lock Tab Washer for Seismic Vibration Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe hangers face issues with nuts and bolts loosening due to vibrations, particularly in seismic and everyday environments, making it difficult to maintain the secure suspension of pipes.
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 the nut remains securely in place and resistant to vibration-induced loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nuts and bolts are used to secure the pipe hanger, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but the nuts and bolts loosen due to vibrations from seismic events, foot traffic, or machine operations
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is segmented into multiple tabs (edge tabs and nut tabs) that can be independently bent and folded to engage with different components. This segmentation allows each tab to perform a specific function: edge tabs prevent washer rotation relative to the suspension member, while nut tabs prevent nut rotation relative to the washer, collectively solving the loosening problem without requiring a completely new fastening mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are designed to be bent and folded into position, transforming from a flat, static washer to a dynamic, multi-position component. This dynamic configuration allows the washer to adapt to the specific geometry of the suspension member and nut, creating multiple contact points that resist vibration-induced loosening while maintaining overall structural simplicity
2Reliability
If the lock tab washer with multiple bent tabs is used to prevent nut loosening, then vibration resistance is improved, but the manufacturing and installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are pre-formed with bend lines and fold lines during manufacturing, preparing them for the specific folded configuration needed for vibration resistance. This preliminary action ensures that the tabs can be easily bent into the correct position during installation without requiring complex fabrication processes or specialized tools, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving superior vibration resistance
3Reliability
If the tabs are bent and folded to prevent rotation, then the nut remains securely in place, but inspection and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The folded tabs create a self-locking mechanism that maintains connection stability without requiring external fastening elements. The tabs themselves serve as both the securing mechanism and the inspection feature, as their folded position is visually apparent and can be easily checked during routine maintenance. This self-service design ensures that the tabs continue to prevent rotation while allowing for simple visual inspection and maintenance access
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe hanger includes a suspension member configured to engage a pipe, the suspension member comprising a side edge and defining a hole through the suspension member; a threaded rod extending through the hole and defining a distal rod end; a nut threaded on the threaded rod, the nut defining a circumferential side; and an anti-vibration washer disposed on the threaded rod between the suspension member and the nut, the anti-vibration washer comprising an edge tab and a nut tab; wherein at least a portion of the edge tab is bent to fold over the side edge of the suspension member, the nut tab is bent to fold over the circumferential side of the nut, and a distal portion of the nut tab is bent to fold over the distal rod end.