Post and Port Grommet Alignment for Pipe Hangers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing block style tube and pipe hangers require manual handling and alignment of grommet parts during installation, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment, as they rely solely on external mounting hardware for securing the grommets to the pipe or tube.

Innovation Solution

A post and port system within the grommets allows them to attach and align securely without external hardware, enabling a self-supporting configuration that simplifies installation by allowing grommets to twist and fit around pipes, providing a compression fit and aligning bolt holes for easy hardware attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If grommets are held together solely by external mounting hardware and framework, then the grommets can be attached to the pipe or conduit, but the installer must manually hold the grommet parts together and in place while hardware is installed, reducing installation efficiency and increasing risk of misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidgrommet assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grommet is divided into two separate parts (first grommet part and second grommet part) that can be assembled around the pipe or conduit in a segmented manner, allowing each part to be independently positioned and then joined together using the post and port system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The post and port system enables one grommet part to be nested within or alongside the other part, with the post inserting through the port to securely join the two grommet parts together, creating a compact nested assembly structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If grommets are not secured together, then the grommets can be easily installed around the pipe or tube, but the sliding of the pipe or tube can cause shifting of the grommet parts relative to one another and with respect to the mounting hardware and framework

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrommet flexibility during installationVSAvoidgrommet part alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The post and port system is pre-integrated into the grommet parts during manufacturing, enabling the grommet parts to be preliminarily connected to each other around the pipe or conduit before the final mounting hardware is installed, ensuring proper alignment is established in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The post and port system acts as an intermediary connection mechanism between the two grommet parts, providing a dedicated joining interface that mediates the connection and prevents relative shifting while allowing the grommets to remain flexible during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple grommets are stacked to provide offset between multiple pipes, then vertical stacking is efficient, but the grommets must be securely attached to each other to maintain alignment under axial and radial forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speed for multiple pipesVSAvoidattachment strength against forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Each grommet is segmented into two parts with integrated post and port systems, allowing multiple grommets to be stacked and connected in a modular fashion where each connection point provides structural strength to resist axial and radial forces on multiple pipes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The post and port system creates a composite structure when the two grommet parts are joined, combining the structural properties of both parts to form a unified assembly that can withstand mechanical forces, enabling secure stacking of multiple grommets for multiple pipe support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution streamlines the installation process, freeing up the installer's hands, preventing hardware drops, and ensuring secure and efficient attachment of multiple pipes, while maintaining alignment and stability against axial and radial forces.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression fit: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8596589B2Attachable grommets for hanging pipes

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 SYNTIRO DYNAMICS LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to block style tube and pipe hangers which include polymeric grommets that are used as a dampener or insulator for hanging tubes and pipes and particularly to a post and port arrangement for securing and aligning the silicone grommets during initial mounting and placement. The grommets are typically two opposing symmetrical parts that together define a passage having an inner diameter which directly surrounds and supports the pipe or tube, the post and port arrangement provides a structure and method for connecting the polymeric grommet parts and supporting the grommets on the pipe or tube during installation of the frame and support structure.