Pipeline Bundle Spacer Structure for Independent Strap Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bundling assemblies for pipelines suffer from reduced effectiveness of tensioning straps when tensioned one after the other, leading to uneven tension distribution and reciprocal moveability of the second pipeline relative to the first, resulting in inefficient clamping.
Innovation Solution
The spacer features a second abutment structure with recessed intermediate surface portions, allowing independent compressibility of its longitudinal sections under tensioning forces, enhancing the effectiveness of tensioning straps and distributing clamping action favorably along the longitudinal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple tensioning straps are tensioned sequentially to maximum tension, then each strap is firmly fixed to the first pipeline, but previously tensioned straps become looser and effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into multiple independent compressible sections along the longitudinal direction, with each section corresponding to a tensioning strap. The recessed intermediate surface portions create distinct compression zones that allow each strap to maintain its tension independently without affecting other straps, resolving the issue of tension redistribution during sequential tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the spacer are given different structural properties: the recessed intermediate surface portions create localized compression zones that are softer and more compliant, while the abutment structures provide localized rigid contact points with the pipelines. This local differentiation allows each tensioning strap to act independently on its designated section.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spacer is made rigid to maintain stable positioning, then the bundling assembly is firmly fixed, but the second pipeline cannot reciprocally move relative to the first pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic structure with controlled flexibility. The recessed intermediate surface portions allow the spacer to deform elastically under tensioning forces, enabling the second pipeline to move reciprocally while maintaining overall bundle stability through the abutment structures.
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 design improves the effectiveness of tensioning straps by maintaining tension across all straps during sequential tensioning, ensuring stable positioning and reciprocal moveability of the second pipeline relative to the first, while allowing for compact stacking and material efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
tensioning force of the tensioning strap is fixing the spacer relative to the first pipeline
Implementation Method 2
the second abutment structure for abutting against the second pipeline
Implementation Method 3
allowing independent compressibility of its longitudinal sections under tensioning forces
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer (3), for mutually spacing apart a first and a second pipeline in a mutually parallel manner, has a first and a second side (31, 32) for abutting against the two respective pipelines. At least two tensioning straps, which are extending in first and second longitudinal ranges (41, 42), are fixing the spacer relative to the first pipeline. The second side (32) has, in the first and second longitudinal ranges, a second abutment structure (52) for abutting against the second pipeline. Furthermore, the second side has, in a first intermediate longitudinal range (61), a first recessed intermediate surface portion (71). Thanks to the first recessed intermediate surface portion, the portions of the spacer which are extending in the first longitudinal range and the second longitudinal range are, under influence of tensioning forces of the tensioning straps, to a larger extent independently resiliently compressible relative to one another. This improves the effectivity of the tensioning straps.