Universal Pipe Securing Apparatus with Flexible Cable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing apparatus for elongate articles, such as pipes, require different sizes for varying diameters and lack a universal solution for securing and suspending these articles efficiently, as they often rely on bolted clamping mechanisms that are not adaptable to diverse dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A securing apparatus utilizing a flexible elongate member, like a wire or cable, that extends between cooperating arrangements on a support structure, with a tightening mechanism, such as a pivot assembly or resilient element, to securely engage pipes of different diameters, and a guide arrangement to maintain consistent path orientation, allowing for adjustable and stable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different sized support apparatus are used for different sized pipes, then the securing apparatus can accommodate various pipe diameters, but the device complexity and variety of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal support apparatus design where a single type of support can accommodate pipes of different diameters through adjustable clamping mechanisms. The support structure includes movable clamping members that can be positioned at different distances from each other, allowing the same support apparatus to secure various pipe sizes without requiring multiple specialized support types.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping distance to match different pipe diameters. This dynamic capability enables a single support apparatus to adapt to various pipe sizes, eliminating the need for multiple static support configurations.
2Force
If bolted clamping mechanisms are used, then the securing apparatus provides strong clamping force, but the ease of operation and adjustment for different sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional bolted clamping mechanisms with a mechanical advantage-based system using lever arms and pivot points. This substitution maintains strong clamping force while significantly improving ease of operation, as the lever mechanism allows for quick adjustment of clamping distance and force without requiring tools or complex bolting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping members feature curved or arc-shaped contact surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of pipes. This curvature allows the clamping members to naturally adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining effective contact and clamping force, simplifying the adjustment process for various pipe sizes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible elongate member extends around the article, then the securing apparatus provides stable engagement, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flexible elongate member with the clamping members by forming the flexible member as an integral part of the clamping assembly. The flexible member connects the clamping members and works in conjunction with them to provide stable engagement, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible elongate member allows the securing apparatus to adapt to the curvature of pipes while maintaining continuous contact and stable engagement. The flexibility of this thin film-like component enables it to conform to different pipe diameters and provide reliable securing without requiring complex rigid structures or multiple discrete parts.
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 apparatus effectively secures pipes of various diameters with enhanced stability and reduced vibration and noise, accommodating different sizes while maintaining a consistent path for the flexible member, thus providing a versatile and efficient solution for securing elongate articles.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element to tighten the flexible elongate member
Implementation Method 2
The pivot assembly may comprise a lever movable between the released and the tightened positions
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Securing apparatus (10) comprises a support arrangement (12) to support an article (14), and first and second cooperating arrangements to cooperate with a flexible elongate member (16). At least one of the first and second cooperating arrangements (18, 20) comprises a clamping arrangement (54) to clamp the flexible elongate member in a securing position extending between the first and second cooperating arrangements across the article and thereby secure the article in engagement with the support arrangement.