Perforated Pipe Support Shell for Sag-Resistant Plastic Pipe Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support assemblies lack versatility and stability, particularly in supporting plastic pipes that sag due to temperature changes and require frequent interval support to prevent deformation, and they do not provide adequate flexibility during installation.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support assembly with a semi-cylindrical shell body having outwardly extending flanges with perforations, allowing for secure fixation with a hanger assembly that includes a hook member and clamp portions to prevent longitudinal movement, and an optional saddle element for support from below, enabling flexible positioning and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe clips are used to support plastic pipes, then the pipes can be supported, but the pipe clips must be arranged at short intervals to prevent sagging and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into a semi-cylindrical shell body that encloses the pipe and flanges at the rims that can be independently positioned. The shell body acts as a distributed support structure that replaces multiple discrete pipe clips with a single continuous support element, reducing the number of components while maintaining support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from discrete point-supported pipe clips to a continuous semi-cylindrical shell that provides support along the entire circumference of the pipe. This dimensional change from 0D point support to 1D continuous support eliminates sagging between discrete support points.
2Reliability
If metal support shells are used to reinforce plastic pipes, then additional safety in case of fire is provided, but the assembly requires secure fixation to prevent longitudinal movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are pre-formed with perforations during manufacturing, and the hanger assembly is designed with engagement portions that align with these perforations. This preliminary preparation enables quick and secure fixation by simply inserting the hanger through the perforations, eliminating the need for additional drilling or complex fastening operations during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portion of the hanger assembly self-secures to the flange through the perforations, creating a fixation system that does not require additional fasteners, welds, or complex assembly steps. The structure itself provides the fixation mechanism through the integrated flange-perforation-hanger connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flanges are provided with perforations for hanger engagement, then flexible positioning during installation is enabled, but the structure requires additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The perforations are pre-formed in the flanges during the manufacturing process, allowing for flexible positioning and alignment during installation. The series of perforations distributed over the length of the flange enable the installer to select optimal positions for the hanger engagement, providing adaptability without requiring field drilling or modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe support assembly including a pipe support shell body and at least one standing saddle element. The pipe support shell body includes a substantially semi-cylindrical wall portion having a length which is greater than a width thereof, and have longitudinal rims; and outwardly extending flanges formed at each of the longitudinal rims of the semi-cylindrical wall, wherein the flanges are provided with through holes distributed over the length thereof. The at least one standing saddle element includes an anchoring portion adapted to be anchored to a support structure and a saddle portion to receive the convex side of the semi-cylindrical wall of the pipe support shell, the saddle portion including snap members at its rims to snap around the flanges of the pipe support shell body.