Pipe Securing Device with Elastic Arms for Vibration Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Pipes in fluid storage and transport systems, particularly those in tanks subject to temperature variations and vibratory loads, face instability and premature wear due to loose ends and inadequate securing mechanisms, leading to operational inefficiencies and equipment degradation.

Innovation Solution

A securing device comprising a cylindrical collar with rotating securing arms and elastic members that can absorb forces, allowing the pipe to be securely fastened within a housing without modifying the tank structure, and accommodating various dimensions and shapes, while providing elastic cushioning against vibrations and extreme loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lower end of the pumping pipe is left loose in the sump, then the pipe can accommodate thermal contractions and vibrations, but the pipe end behaves like a pendulum and exhibits repetitive movements causing premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contraction accommodationVSAvoidpipe wear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible securing arms with elastic members that can bend and deform to accommodate thermal contractions of the pipe while maintaining secure engagement. The flexible nature of these components allows them to absorb dimensional changes without compromising the securing function or causing harmful movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates elastic members and bearing pads that provide cushioning before harmful pendulum movements can occur. These elements absorb vibrations and shocks, preventing the pipe end from exhibiting repetitive movements that would cause premature wear, while still allowing necessary thermal expansion and contraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a securing device is introduced to prevent pendulum movement, then pipe stability improves, but the device requires modification of the housing or fixing through walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe stabilityVSAvoidhousing modification requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is designed to be self-contained and mountable on the pipe itself without requiring modifications to the housing structure. The device uses its own components (cylindrical collar, securing arms, elastic members) to achieve securing functionality, eliminating the need for external fixing points or housing alterations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The securing device is divided into modular components including a cylindrical collar that mounts on the pipe, multiple independent securing arms, and elastic members. This segmentation allows the device to be assembled and installed without modifying the housing, as each component serves a specific function and can be attached to the pipe itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the pipe is securely fixed to prevent vibrations, then wear is reduced, but thermal contractions and extreme loads cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear reductionVSAvoidthermal contraction accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system with moving components. The securing arms can rotate and translate along guideways, and elastic members can deform, allowing the device to adapt its configuration in response to thermal contractions and extreme loads while maintaining secure engagement and reducing harmful vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively secures the pipe, reducing wear and maintaining operational efficiency by absorbing forces and accommodating thermal contractions, thus enhancing the stability and longevity of the pipe and tank components.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member being coupled to the guideway so as to be able to apply a return force that pushes the distal arm portion away from the proximal arm portion in the axis of displacement in response to a stress aimed at moving the distal arm portion closer to the proximal arm portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a distal arm portion containing a first end bearing a bearing pad, the bearing pad being mounted on said first end of the distal arm portion capable of rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to the generatrix direction of the cylindrical collar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10415758B2Securing a pipe in a housing

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 GAZTRANSPORT & TECHNIGAZ SA

AI summary

A securing device for securing a pipe in a housing, which has a cylindrical collar, at least three securing arms, each securing arm containing a proximal arm portion mounted on the cylindrical collar, a distal arm portion bearing a bearing pad, the bearing pad containing a bearing surface facing away from the collar and intended to collaborate with a wall of the housing in which at least one of the securing arms contains a guideway capable of translationally guiding the distal arm portion with respect to the proximal arm portion, an elastic member being coupled to the guideway so as to be able to apply a return force that pushes the distal arm portion away from the proximal arm portion.