Pipe Support with Steel Reinforcement for Hurricane Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support systems, such as the Pipe Prop®, while providing adjustable height and weather resistance, do not adequately address the need for enhanced structural reinforcement and wind resistance in extreme environmental conditions like hurricanes and tornadoes, and are labor-intensive to install.
Innovation Solution
The improved Pipe Prop system incorporates synthetic plastic components with a rigid steel reinforcement component attached to the support surface, providing additional strength and stability through adhesive and screw fixation, and featuring adjustable upright members and gussets for customizable height and slope support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid steel reinforcement component is added to the pipe support system, then the structural strength and wind resistance are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support system combines synthetic plastic components with a rigid steel reinforcement component to create a composite structure. The steel reinforcement is attached to the support surface and extends into the plastic base, merging the corrosion resistance and flexibility of plastic with the high strength and stiffness of steel, thereby achieving enhanced structural integrity without completely redesigning the entire support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support system is divided into distinct functional components: the synthetic plastic base for corrosion resistance and flexibility, the steel reinforcement component for structural strength, the upright member for height adjustment, and the saddle for pipe support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable upright members are used to customize height and slope, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upright member is designed as an adjustable component that can be cut to various lengths and positioned at different heights within the plastic base. This dynamic adjustability allows the pipe support system to adapt to different installation requirements, slopes, and pipe diameters, transforming a static support structure into a versatile, customizable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support system is designed to support various types of pipes and conduits at different heights and slopes using the same basic components. The adjustable upright member and saddle configuration enable a single support device to serve multiple functions across different installation scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized support types.
3Reliability
If adhesive and screw fixation methods are used for the reinforcement component, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment method combines adhesive bonding with mechanical screw fixation to secure the steel reinforcement component to the support surface and the plastic base. This merged approach leverages the strength of mechanical fastening with the sealing and bonding advantages of adhesive, creating a more reliable and weather-resistant connection than either method alone.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hand-sawing wood pieces is used to support pipes, then the adaptability is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support components, including the plastic bases, steel reinforcement, upright members, and saddles, are pre-manufactured and pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site cutting and customization, significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements while maintaining adaptability through pre-configured size variations.
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 offers enhanced structural integrity and wind resistance, allowing the pipe support system to withstand extreme weather conditions while being economical and easy to install, reducing labor costs and ensuring compliance with building codes.
Implementation Method 1
The rigid reinforcement component is attached to the support surface by applying a suitable adhesive to the lower surface of the base region
Implementation Method 2
installing a plurality of screws within the screw hole openings and screwing the screws into the support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe supporting device is used to support an exposed pipe of a roof. The device includes a base having a flat bottom for resting on the roof, an upright member of a length which is connectable to the base and a receiving portion which is connectable to the upright member for receiving and supporting the exposed pipe. The length of the upright member can be altered by a user at a job site to thereby provide a device having a desired overall height. A upright steel reinforcing component is first installed on the roof and the pipe supporting device is then placed over the reinforcing component so that the component is received within a bottom opening provided on the base of the device. The reinforcing component provides additional structural support for the pipe supporting device in extreme environments, such as hurricane zones.