Pipe Support Assembly With Perpendicular Threaded Rod Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of pipework in buildings, particularly fire hydrant installations, is challenging due to the need for simultaneous manipulation of nuts and washers under poor lighting and confined spaces, leading to errors, strain injuries, and risks of dropping components.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support system with a perpendicular rod engagement mechanism and left-handed threaded components, including a pipe support with an open-ended slot and a retaining member with inwardly facing surfaces, allowing for quick and secure attachment to threaded rods, reducing the need for lifting during installation and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe support installation methods are used, then pipe supports can be securely attached to threaded rods, but the installation process requires simultaneous manipulation of multiple components under poor lighting and confined spaces, leading to errors and strain injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support is divided into separate modular components: a body portion with aperture, a retaining member with engagement features, and a clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be installed independently in a specific sequence, eliminating the need for simultaneous manipulation of multiple components and reducing installation errors
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member is pre-installed on the threaded rod with preliminary engagement features (inwardly facing surfaces and slots) that guide and constrain the pipe support body during attachment. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment before final clamping, reducing errors and strain on operators
2Reliability
If traditional pipe support installation methods are used, then pipe supports can be attached to threaded rods, but the procedure requires lifting and supporting heavy pipes during installation, creating risk of strain injury and accidental dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is pre-installed on the threaded rod with engagement features that can receive and secure the pipe support body without requiring the pipe to be held or lifted. The pipe can be lowered into position and immediately secured, eliminating the need for operators to support heavy pipes during attachment and reducing strain injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support system is designed so that the retaining member's engagement features (slots and inwardly facing surfaces) automatically guide and secure the pipe support body as it is lowered into position. The system self-aligns and secures without requiring manual manipulation or support of the heavy pipe, allowing operators to work safely at ground level
3Reliability
If traditional pipe support designs are used, then pipe supports can be attached to threaded rods, but the process requires threading multiple nuts and washers simultaneously, increasing installation time and potential for errors
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the retaining member with pre-threaded features, the pipe support body with aperture, and the clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows installation in a linear sequence rather than requiring simultaneous manipulation of multiple nuts and washers, significantly improving installation speed and reducing errors
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member is pre-installed with engagement features that guide the pipe support body into position before final clamping. This preliminary action eliminates the need for simultaneous threading and positioning of multiple components, allowing rapid sequential installation and improving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe supports for use in supporting pipework in a building are described, the pipe supports including: a pipe supporting region which in use receives and supports a pipe; an attachment region for attaching the pipe support to a threaded rod to suspend the pipe support from the threaded rod; the attachment region includes a rod receiving aperture; and the rod can be introduced into the aperture by bringing the pipe support towards the rod in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the rod.