Pipe Holder With Modular Rings For Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for affixing pipes in building construction are haphazard and inefficient, leading to complications such as the need for additional structural members, increased material and time usage, and unsightly installations, especially when pipes need to be positioned vertically or in specific arrangements like those found in lavatory sinks.
Innovation Solution
A pre-fabricated pipe holder apparatus comprising a primary ring and secondary rings, connected by arms, which can be fabricated from various materials like metal, wood, or plastic, to stabilize and position pipes relative to each other, allowing for easy and adjustable support and alignment of pipes during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipes are affixed manually to building frames using cut pieces of wood or metal bridging, then pipes can be positioned at desired locations, but additional structural members are required and fabrication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the pipe support function into modular components: a primary ring for the main pipe and secondary rings for smaller pipes, each independently positioned but collectively integrated through arms. This eliminates the need for continuous structural members and allows rapid assembly at different locations without fabrication time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single apparatus: it supports pipes of different diameters (through interchangeable rings), positions multiple pipes simultaneously, and provides both structural support and alignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural members and simplifies the installation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual pipes are manually spaced to achieve proper alignment, then pipe arrangement can be achieved, but positioning precision deteriorates and installation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates pre-configured arms with predetermined geometry and attachment points that establish correct pipe spacing and alignment before installation. The arms are designed with specific dimensions to ensure proper horizontal and vertical relationships between pipes, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The arms serve as intermediary elements between the primary and secondary rings, mechanically enforcing the correct spatial relationship between pipes. Rather than relying on manual positioning, the arms act as rigid mediators that automatically maintain the required alignment and spacing once the device is assembled.
3Strength
If additional structural members are fabricated to support vertical pipes, then pipe support is achieved, but material usage and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the support function for multiple pipes into a single integrated structure. The primary ring and secondary rings are combined through arms to form one unified support apparatus that replaces multiple separate structural members. This consolidation reduces material usage while maintaining the required support strength for vertical and horizontal pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the structural parameter from continuous structural members to discrete ring-and-arm components. This parameter change allows the support structure to be adapted to different pipe configurations and locations without requiring additional materials, as the same basic device can be deployed repeatedly with different ring sizes.
4Productivity
If pipes are run through drywall without proper positioning aids, then installation is simplified, but pipe arrangement becomes uneven and aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device establishes proper pipe alignment and spacing before the pipes are concealed by drywall installation. The arms are pre-configured with dimensions that ensure symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing pipe arrangements, and this preliminary positioning is maintained throughout the installation process, resulting in neat visible pipe ends even after drywall closure.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe, hose and wiring holder and support is provided which is made of a rigid body, itself made of a primary ring of a diameter adapted to fit around a first pipe (or hose or wiring), and one or more secondary rings attached to the primary ring by arms, each secondary ring of a size to fit around secondary pipes (or hoses or wiring), with all rings lying in the same plane and being laterally disposed from one another, and where fitting the pipe holder to the primary and secondary pipe or pipes serves to stabilize, support, and position the set of pipes, hoses or wires relative to one another.