U-Shaped Pipe Support with Shock Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional U-shaped pipe supports crush thermal insulation, cause conductive heat transfer, and fail to detect abnormal shocks effectively, leading to reduced insulation efficiency and structural degradation in pipe systems.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support with a U-shaped body and transversal vertical ribs that provides a larger contact surface and includes a shock detection mechanism with a magnet and door system to indicate shocks exceeding a predetermined threshold force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional U-shaped pipe supporting members are used, then the pipe support structure is simple and easy to install, but the thermal insulation layer is crushed and heat transfer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A U-shaped pipe support member with a widened contact surface is introduced as an intermediary between the traditional support and the pipe. This intermediary component distributes the support force over a larger area, preventing insulation crushing while maintaining the simple installation process of the original support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support member incorporates a flexible or compliant contact surface that can adapt to the pipe contour without concentrating stress. This flexible interface reduces mechanical damage to the insulation layer while maintaining effective thermal break performance.
2Device complexity
If the contact surface between support and pipe is narrow, then the support structure is simple, but friction and vibration degrade the insulation and cause rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface of the pipe support is designed with a curved or rounded profile that matches the cylindrical shape of the pipe. This curved geometry increases the contact area and distributes mechanical stresses more evenly, reducing friction and vibration-induced damage to the insulation layer.
3Ease of operation
If traditional pipe supports are used, then installation is straightforward, but shock detection requires manual verification of every support
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support incorporates a visual indicator mechanism that changes color or position in response to detected shocks. This allows technicians to quickly identify affected supports during inspections without manually verifying each support's integrity, dramatically reducing detection complexity while maintaining easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system includes self-monitoring capabilities through integrated sensors or indicators that automatically detect and signal abnormal shocks. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual verification of each support, allowing the system to autonomously identify issues that require attention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If U-shaped pipe saddle is affixed to widen contact surface, then insulation crushing is reduced, but attachment and movement prevention adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support design integrates the widened contact surface functionality directly into the main support body rather than using a separate affixed saddle component. This merging of functions eliminates the need for additional attachment mechanisms while maintaining the insulation protection benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support member is designed as a universal component that combines multiple functions: structural support, insulation protection through widened contact surface, and shock detection capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate attachment and prevention mechanisms required by traditional saddle solutions.
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 prevents insulation crushing, enhances thermal insulation, and allows for easy identification of supports affected by abnormal shocks, improving the integrity and maintenance of pipe systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet positioned in the magnet receiving assembly and producing a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the door having a finite thickness and being made of a magnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe support for supporting a horizontally extending pipe in combination with a vertical hanger. The pipe support comprises a U-shaped body being opened at a top end thereof. The pipe support also comprises a pair of transversal vertical ribs, located on the outer surface of the body and extending transversally to an axis formed between the extremities of the body. The pair of transversal vertical ribs forms a space to receive the hanger therebetween, the space being positioned between the first and second extremities of the body. The pipe support further comprises a shock detection mechanism attachable to the pipe support. The shock detection mechanism comprises a shock indicator movable between a hold position and an alert position indicative that the pipe support was subjected to a shock exceeding a predetermined threshold force. A pipe support kit is also provided according to the present invention.