Plastic Pipe Retention Device with Angled Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe retention devices for liquid-based heating or cooling assemblies are limited to specific pipe sizes, prone to pipe uplift at inflection points, and can cause kinking, leading to installation challenges and potential leakage, especially when buried under floor screed.
Innovation Solution
A pipe retention device with uniquely arranged protrusions that secure pipes of varying diameters and prevent uplift, featuring a combination of first and second protrusions projecting at different angles to stabilize pipes as they bend and travel in straight lines, with a hollow structure allowing screed flow and a planar base for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art pipe retention devices are used, then pipe retention is achieved, but only for specific pipe sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe retention device is designed with multiple protrusions of different geometries that can accommodate pipes of various diameters. The base portion supports multiple protrusions including first protrusions with initial geometries and second protrusions with different geometries, allowing a single device to retain pipes of different sizes without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device is segmented into multiple functional protrusions, each with specific geometries tailored for different pipe diameters. The first protrusions handle larger pipes while second protrusions handle smaller pipes, dividing the retention function into specialized segments that collectively provide universal adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If pipes are bent at inflection points, then direction change is achieved, but pipe uplift occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are positioned and sized to provide preliminary counteraction to uplift forces before the pipe can lift at inflection points. The first protrusions extend further from the base than second protrusions, creating a preemptive mechanical constraint that opposes the lifting tendency of pipes during bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the retention device have different protrusion characteristics tailored to local needs. First protrusions with greater extension handle the higher uplift forces at certain locations, while second protrusions with lesser extension provide support at other locations, creating locally optimized resistance to pipe uplift.
3Device complexity
If pipes are retained with fixed geometry protrusions, then structural simplicity is maintained, but pipe kinking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed with geometries that allow dynamic adaptation to pipe bending. The first protrusions have initial geometries that permit controlled deformation and movement as pipes bend, while second protrusions have different geometries that provide complementary support. This dynamic capability prevents kinking while maintaining relatively simple fixed geometries.
4Productivity
If snail-like pipe configuration is used, then heating output is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device segments the pipe support function into multiple protrusions positioned to facilitate snail-like configurations. The arrangement of first and second protrusions creates natural guidance paths that help installers achieve the desired snail pattern, reducing the forethought and planning normally required while maintaining the productivity benefits.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe retention device, which is moulded from plastic and comprises: a base; and an array of projections, which project from the base, each of the projections having a first end joined to the base and a second end distal the base, wherein each of the projections projects from the base along an axis and comprises a plurality of protrusions that project radially outward from the projection, the protrusions being provided at or adjacent to the second end, wherein the protrusions comprise at least first protrusions.