Perforated Pipe Support Shell for Secure Longitudinal Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support assemblies lack versatility in securely fixing and stabilizing plastic pipes, especially when transporting warm mediums, leading to sagging and deformation, and do not provide adequate safety in case of fire.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support assembly with a metal support shell featuring perforated flanges that allow for secure fixation with a hanger assembly, including a hanger bracket with hook members and clamp portions to prevent longitudinal movement, and optional use of cable ties or threaded rods for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe clips are used to support the pipe and support shell assembly, then the pipe can be suspended, but the assembly lacks secure fixation in the longitudinal direction allowing movement and sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The support shell is divided into a body portion and flange portions, with the flanges providing separate engagement features (perforations) that work in conjunction with the hanger bracket to create multi-point fixation. This segmentation allows the shell to be both supported and securely fixed without compromising installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger bracket is nested within the configuration formed by the flanges, with the engagement portion inserted through perforations in the flanges. This nested arrangement creates secure fixation while maintaining installation flexibility, as the bracket can be easily positioned and secured through the perforated flanges.
2Reliability
If the support shell is made of metal to provide fire safety and reinforcement, then additional safety is provided, but the assembly becomes heavier and more complex to install
Solution Approach 1:
The metal support shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fire safety protection, reinforces the plastic pipe against sagging, and incorporates flanges with perforations that enable easy engagement with hanger brackets. This multi-functionality reduces overall assembly complexity despite using metal materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges with perforations are pre-formed as integral parts of the support shell body during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate fixation components or complex assembly steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining fire safety and reinforcement benefits.
3Reliability
If the flanges are provided with perforations for secure fixation, then longitudinal movement is prevented, but the flange structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges incorporate perforations at specific locations rather than throughout the entire structure. This local modification provides the necessary longitudinal fixation through the engagement portion inserted through the perforations, while keeping the overall flange structure simple and easy to manufacture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe support assembly comprises a pipe support shell body (1) having a substantially semicylindrical wall portion (2) conforming to an outer contour of a pipe to be supported. The shell body (1) has a length which is greater than a width thereof and has an open top flanked by longitudinal rims (3) and a flange (4) formed at each of said rims (3). The pipe support assembly furthermore comprises at least one hanger assembly adapted to be suspended from an overhead support structure and including an engagement portion (14) for engaging at least one of the flanges (4) of the pipe support shell body (1). The flanges (4) extend outwardly from the respective longitudinal rims (3) and are each provided with a series of perforations (8) distributed over the length thereof. The engagement portion (14) of the hanger assembly is adapted to be inserted at least partially through at least one of the perforations (8) in one of the flanges (4).