Pipe Strap Tension Compensation for Long-Term Element Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing systems for elements on pipes, especially submerged ones, fail to maintain tension over time due to pipe shrinkage, leading to displacement of secured elements.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a compensating member made of elastic material, two clamping buckles, and two strands that extend between the compensating member and the buckles, allowing for tension compensation as the pipe shrinks, ensuring the element remains secured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tensioned strap is used to secure an element on a pipe, then the element is kept in place initially, but the tension in the strap relaxes when the pipe shrinks over time, causing the element to displace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a compensating member made of elastic material that can change its physical state (extend and relax) in response to pipe shrinkage. The elastic member's ability to stretch and relax dynamically adjusts the tension parameter throughout the pipe's service life, maintaining securement reliability despite dimensional changes in the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamics by replacing a static, rigid strap system with a dynamic system incorporating an elastic compensating member. This member can extend when the pipe shrinks and relax when the pipe expands, allowing the securing system to adapt continuously to changing pipe dimensions throughout its service life, thereby maintaining tension and preventing element displacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid strap is used to secure an element on a pipe, then the structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility to adapt to pipe shrinkage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining an elastic compensating member with rigid clamping buckles and strands. This composite structure integrates the flexibility and adaptability of elastic materials with the structural strength and simplicity of rigid components, achieving both adaptation to pipe shrinkage and maintained structural integrity without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If existing securing systems are used, then installation is straightforward, but they cannot maintain tension over the entire lifetime of the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service through the elastic compensating member that automatically adjusts tension without external intervention. As the pipe shrinks or expands throughout its service life, the elastic member self-adjusts by extending or relaxing, maintaining tension automatically. This eliminates the need for manual re-tensioning or complex active control systems, achieving long-term reliability through passive self-adjustment.
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 maintains tension and secures elements on pipes of varying sizes by adjusting to pipe shrinkage, providing flexibility and maintaining the element's position over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a compensating member made of an elastic material, extensible when the device is tensioned around the pipe with a strap, and progressively shrinkable over time to keep the device and strap in tension when the pipe shrinks
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a device (1) for securing an element (2) to a pipe (4), the device (1) comprising: a compensating member (10) made of an elastic material, extensible when the device (1) is tensioned around the pipe (4) with a strap (6), and progressively shrinkable over time to keep the device (1) and the strap (6) in tension when the pipe (4) shrinks; two clamping buckles (20, 30) each designed to receive a free end (62, 63) of the strap (6); and two strands (40, 50) made of a material less elastic than the compensating member (10), and each extending between a first end (41, 51) integral with the compensating member (10) and a second end (42, 52) integral with one of the clamping buckles (20, 30). The invention also relates to a system (1, 6) comprising such a device (1) and a strap (6); an installation (1, 2, 3, 4, 6) comprising such a system (1, 6); and a method for operating such a system (1).