Pivoting Strap Assembly for Securing Pipe Elbows on Standpipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps are not designed to securely and adjustably attach a pipe elbow to an open vertical standpipe, limiting their versatility across different pipe diameters and potentially causing contamination by allowing the elbow to become dislodged during effluent pumping.
Innovation Solution
A securing strap assembly featuring a horizontal strap and a pivoting strap with adjustment mechanisms that wrap around the standpipe, allowing the pipe elbow to be securely fastened by tightening the straps to prevent dislodgment, with a ratchet mechanism for easy adjustment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art pipe clamps are used for particular pipe diameters, then the clamps can securely attach pipes of specific sizes, but they cannot be adjusted for different pipe diameters or pipe elbow configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate straps (horizontal strap and pivoting strap) that can independently adjust to different configurations. Each strap can be adjusted separately to accommodate various pipe diameters and elbow orientations, providing versatility without requiring a completely redesigned single-piece clamp structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting strap incorporates a pivot point that allows it to dynamically adjust its angle and position relative to the horizontal strap. This dynamic capability enables the clamp to adapt to different pipe elbow orientations and configurations, transforming a static clamp into a versatile, adjustable securing mechanism.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to prevent elbow dislodgment, then reliability of effluent discharge is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates self-adjusting features where the pivoting strap automatically positions itself around the pipe elbow when the horizontal strap is tightened. The dogleg configuration and pivot mechanism work together to self-align and secure the elbow without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal strap is designed to be installed first, establishing the basic circumferential support. The pivoting strap is then added and pre-positioned around the elbow before final tightening, ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment is achieved through this preliminary sequencing of installation steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If pipe clamps are designed for specific pipe diameters, then manufacturing is simplified, but versatility across different diameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design uses standard strap components and fastening mechanisms that can accommodate a range of pipe diameters. The horizontal and pivoting straps are designed with adjustable length and positioning capabilities, allowing the same clamp assembly to securely attach various pipe sizes and elbow configurations, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized clamp designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing strap assembly includes a horizontal strap configured to wrap around a vertical standpipe. A pivoting strap is pivotally attached to the horizontal strap and is configured to extend over a pipe elbow inserted into the vertical standpipe. The pivoting strap has a first leg having a first connected end pivotally connected to the horizontal strap and a first adjusting end, a second leg having a second connected end pivotally connected to the horizontal strap and a second adjusting end, and a first adjustment mechanism configured to draw the first adjusting end and the second adjusting end to each other.