Riser Anchor Assembly for Thermal Expansion and Floor Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional riser support designs face challenges with thermal expansion cycles, as friction-dependent clamps become less effective, and supporting shear walls are not always conveniently located, leading to inefficiencies and potential structural integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

An anchor assembly comprising a plate with a sleeve and collars, embedded in a poured floor, which provides a secure and flexible attachment for riser pipes, accommodating thermal expansion while distributing loads effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If friction-dependent clamps are used to secure the riser pipe, then the riser can be supported at the floor level, but the clamps become less effective with repeated thermal expansion cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp effectivenessVSAvoidthermal expansion cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into multiple independent collars that can accommodate thermal movement separately, rather than relying on a single friction-dependent clamp. Each collar can move independently to absorb thermal expansion while maintaining support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the collars to move vertically along the pipe to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction cycles while maintaining continuous support and friction engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If shear walls are used to support the riser, then structural support is provided, but the shear walls are not always conveniently located with respect to the riser location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collar assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support like a shear wall, allows thermal movement accommodation, and can be installed at various locations without requiring specific structural elements. The system combines support, movement accommodation, and installation flexibility in one device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar assembly acts as an intermediary between the riser pipe and the floor structure, providing support without requiring direct connection to shear walls or other specific structural elements. It mediates the connection between pipe and support structure independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If multiple fixed supports are used to secure the riser, then the riser is well-supported, but the number of fixed supports increases and thermal expansion is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveriser supportVSAvoidnumber of supports

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the collars to move vertically along the pipe to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction cycles while maintaining continuous support and friction engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional clamps are used to secure the riser, then the installation is simple, but the clamps become less effective with repeated thermal expansion cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidclamp effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into multiple independent collars that can accommodate thermal movement separately, rather than relying on a single friction-dependent clamp. Each collar can move independently to absorb thermal expansion while maintaining support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 anchor assembly enhances the local load-carrying capacity of floors and reduces the number of fixed supports required, allowing for greater thermal expansion and contraction with lower stresses on supports.

Implementation Method 1

Each fastener engages a respective collar of the plurality of collars

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew threading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a layer of fire insulation positioned between the stub pipe and the sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12253201B2Riser anchor and installation

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 VICTAULIC

AI summary

An anchor assembly for riser pipes uses a plate and sleeve to support a stub pipe which penetrates a floor of a structure, such as a building, in which the riser is located. Studs extending from the plate and the sleeve engage the floor and enhance the local structural strength of the floor. A bracket which engages the plate is used to mount the stub pipe within the sleeve. The riser pipe elements are attached to the ends of the stub pipe. Fire insulation material is positioned between the stub pipe and the sleeve.