Pipe Support Clamp with Insulating Element for Noise Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support arrangements for pipelines, such as downpipes, transmit structure-borne noise to buildings due to vibration caused by fluid flow, and existing solutions are complex and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A support arrangement featuring a pipeline with a soundproofing insulating element between the pipeline and the support clamp, allowing for axial support with a tolerance gap to minimize vibration transmission, using a support surface on the pipeline and a corresponding support surface on the insulating element for minimal contact and effective noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixing clamp is firmly clamped to the pipe to prevent noise transmission, then noise transmission is reduced, but the mechanical structure becomes complex and assembly effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise transmissionVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support clamp with an insulating element as an intermediary between the fixing clamp and the pipe. This mediator decouples the mechanical connection while maintaining support, preventing vibration transmission without requiring complex firm clamping mechanisms. The insulating element acts as a buffer that reduces noise transmission while simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the noise transmission path by removing direct metal-to-metal contact between the fixing clamp and the pipe. The insulating element is positioned to interrupt the vibration path, taking out the harmful transmission route while maintaining the necessary support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If two pipe clamps are fitted per bearing point to reduce noise, then noise transmission is minimized, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise transmissionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function and the noise reduction function into a single integrated component - the support clamp with insulating element. This combination eliminates the need for separate clamps while achieving both mechanical support and vibration isolation, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support clamp is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the pipe, acts as a noise reduction element through the insulating material, and simplifies assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and streamlines the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support clamp tightly clamps the pipeline to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but vibration transmission to the building increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using an insulating element with specific material properties at the contact point between the support clamp and the pipe. This localized application of damping material provides vibration isolation exactly where needed, maintaining structural stability while reducing vibration transmission to the building structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively decouples structure-borne noise, reducing vibration transmission to the support clamp and subsequently to the building, while simplifying the assembly process and maintaining radial freedom for the pipeline.

Implementation Method 1

The support clamp and the insulating element are designed in such a way that when the support clamp occupies the support diameter, there is a tolerance gap between the insulating element and the pipeline

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The pipeline is supported very gently with the claimed arrangement, so that the vibrations originating from the pipeline are damped well

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3196527B1Support assembly
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3196527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3196527B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3196527B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A support arrangement comprises a pipe (1) extending along a central axis (M), a support clamp (2) surrounding and supporting the pipe (1), and a sound-absorbing damping element (4) arranged at least partially between the support clamp (2) and the pipe (1). The diameter of the support clamp (2) is variable to a support diameter. The support clamp (2) and the damping element (4) are designed such that when the support clamp (2) assumes the support diameter, a tolerance gap (5) exists between the damping element (4) and the pipe (1), particularly in the effective area (3) of the support clamp (2). The pipe (1) has a stop surface (6) integrally formed with it, and the damping element (4) has a support surface (7) against which the stop surface (6) rests, providing axial support in the direction of the central axis (M).