Pipe Regulator Support Bracket for Stable In-Line Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket devices for pipes do not effectively stabilize regulators, such as valves and pumps, by maintaining the load on the pipe during regulator separation, which hinders servicing operations.
Innovation Solution
A bracket device with a support element that extends bidirectionally from the bracket, transferring the regulator's load onto the pipe, allowing for stable servicing by abutting the regulator's lower end with the bracket's lower section and engaging the pipe's upper surface with arcuate plates and adjustable arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bracket device is used to support a pipe, then the pipe is supported, but the regulator cannot be stabilized when separated from the pipe for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket device is divided into two functional segments: a bracket portion that engages the regulator and a support element portion that engages the pipe. This segmentation allows the device to independently stabilize the regulator while maintaining pipe support, enabling safe servicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as an intermediary between the regulator and the pipe. It transfers the load from the regulator to the pipe through the bracket, maintaining stability during regulator separation and servicing without requiring direct regulator-to-pipe contact.
2Ease of operation
If the regulator is separated from the pipe for servicing, then servicing access is improved, but the load on the pipe is lost causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket device is pre-installed on the pipe before regulator removal. The support element is positioned to engage the pipe and the bracket is positioned to engage the regulator, so that when the regulator is separated, the load is already transferred to the bracket-device assembly, maintaining stability throughout the servicing process.
3Reliability
If a support element extending bidirectionally is used to transfer load, then load transfer to pipe is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectionally extending support element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the bracket, transfers load from the regulator to the pipe, and maintains geometric alignment between the bracket and pipe. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, moderating the complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilization bracket device for facilitating servicing of in-line piping regulators includes a bracket, which is removably positionable around a regulator, such as a valve, a pump, a sensor, and the like, which is positioned in-line with a pipe, so that a lower end of the bracket abuts a bottom of the regulator. A support element is engaged to and extends bidirectionally from an upper face of the bracket. Each opposing end of the support element abuts an upper surface of the pipe proximate to a respective opposed end of the bracket. A load imparted by the regulator to the bracket is transferred by the support element onto the pipe, positioning a user to service the regulator.