Adjustable Pipe Support Saddle With Replaceable Shoe for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support systems are cumbersome and costly to maintain, requiring frequent replacement of bearing plates and adjustments to accommodate varying pipe heights and thermal expansion, which can lead to frictional wear and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support system comprising a tubular base, adjustable stud assembly, saddle with a removable shoe, and micro-adjustment mechanism, allowing for macro and micro adjustments in height without disassembling the stanchion or pipeline, and enabling easy replacement of worn shoes without disrupting the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bearing plates are used to support the pipeline and accommodate thermal expansion, then the pipeline can move longitudinally, but the bearing plates experience frictional wear and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing plate is divided into a fixed plate and a movable plate that can slide relative to each other. The movable plate is attached to the pipeline and can move independently along the fixed plate, allowing thermal expansion while distributing wear across both surfaces rather than concentrating it on a single bearing plate.
2Manufacturing precision
If pipe support stands are used to hold pipelines above ground, then the pipelines are supported at predetermined heights, but adjusting heights for non-horizontal ground surfaces requires disassembly and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support stand incorporates an adjustable mechanism with a threaded rod and nut assembly that allows the saddle height to be dynamically adjusted. The threaded rod can be rotated to raise or lower the saddle, enabling height adaptation without disassembly of the main stanchion structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable components are nested within the stanchion structure. The threaded rod is housed within the stanchion body, and the saddle is positioned on top of the stanchion, creating a compact nested arrangement that allows adjustment while maintaining a space-efficient design.
3Reliability
If bearing plates are replaced to reduce frictional wear, then the support system reliability improves, but maintenance time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into a fixed plate attached to the stanchion and a movable plate attached to the pipeline. This segmentation allows the movable plate to be replaced independently without disturbing the fixed plate or the main stanchion structure, significantly reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bearing plate is extracted as a separate, replaceable component from the overall support system. It can be removed and replaced independently while the rest of the stanchion and fixed plate remain in place, enabling quick maintenance operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ground surface is non-horizontal, then the pipeline must be adjusted to different heights, but conventional supports require disassembly for height adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The support stand incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism using a threaded rod that can be rotated to change the height of the saddle. This allows the support height to be dynamically adjusted to match non-horizontal ground surfaces while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides initial height adjustment during installation, allows for fine-tuning of the pipeline elevation, and compensates for ground irregularities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe support system includes a pipe base, a threaded stud having a head, a saddle supported above the pipe base, and a shoe removably nested along a concave upper surface of the saddle. Methods for installing the pipe support system include determining a height of a joint of pipe above a ground surface; selecting a length of pipe for the pipe base in accordance with the height of the joint of pipe above the ground surface, thereby making a macro-adjustment; and rotating a threaded stud relative to a stud housing in order to make a micro-adjustment to the height of t\he joint of pipe; and placing the joint of pipe onto the shoe, thereby supporting the pipe above the ground surface. A method for replacing the shoe when it becomes worn is also provided by reversing said installation.