Pipe Support Spring Disassembly with Stop Element Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dismantling pipe supports with tensioned springs pose a safety risk due to the potential for uncontrollable spring relaxation, which can lead to injury or damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a force generating device to counteract the spring force, remove a stop element, reduce the force, and then open the housing to safely remove the spring and spring plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the housing is opened without counteracting the spring force, then the disassembly process is simple and fast, but the spring relaxes uncontrollably causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A force generating device is used to apply a counteracting force to the spring plate before opening the housing, preventing the spring from relaxing uncontrollably. This preliminary counter-action neutralizes the harmful spring force, allowing safe disassembly while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The force generating device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the spring system, controlling the spring plate's movement and managing the spring force during disassembly. This intermediary mechanism enables safe handling of the high-energy spring component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a force generating device is used to counteract spring force, then safety hazards are mitigated, but the disassembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The force generating device is designed to work with the existing spring plate and stop element mechanisms, utilizing the pipe support's own components to facilitate controlled disassembly. The system leverages its existing structure to provide safety functionality without requiring entirely new complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the stop element is removed while spring force is active, then the spring plate can move freely for disassembly, but the spring relaxes suddenly causing danger
Solution Approach 1:
The force generating device is activated before the stop element is removed to pre-establish counterbalancing force. This preliminary action ensures that when the stop element is removed and the spring plate becomes accessible, the spring force is already being counteracted, preventing sudden relaxation and enabling safe operation.
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
This method allows for the controlled disassembly of pipe supports, mitigating the risk of spring-related hazards and enabling safe disposal or recycling of components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and an axially movable spring plate are arranged within the housing, wherein the spring bears on the one hand against the spring plate and on the other hand against the second end plate and is thereby compressed in such a way that the spring exerts a spring force on the spring plate in the direction of the first end plate
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for disassembling a pipe support (1), wherein the pipe support (1) has a housing (2) wherein a spring (8) and an axially movable spring plate (9) are arranged inside the housing (2), wherein the spring (8) bears against the spring plate (9) on one side and against a second end plate (7) on the other side and is thereby compressed such that the spring (8) exerts a spring force (12) on the spring plate (9) in the direction of a first end plate (5), wherein a stop element (13) is arranged between the first end plate (5) and the spring plate (9), and wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) exerting a force (11) on the spring plate (9) with a force generating device (10), which opposes the spring force (12) generated by the spring (8), b) removing the stop element (13),while the force (11) generated on the spring plate (9) by the force-generating device (10) is at least as large as the spring force (12) generated by the spring (8), c) reducing the force (11) generated on the spring plate (9) by the force-generating device (10) to an amount below the spring force (12) generated by the spring (8), d) opening the housing (2), and e) removing the spring (8) and the spring plate (9) from the housing (2).