Riser Clamp Isolation Element for Load Distribution and Vibration Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional riser clamps transfer vibrations to the floor and surrounding structures due to inadequate vibration isolation, and existing solutions like loose pads can be mispositioned, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential deformation under high loads.

Innovation Solution

A riser clamp with an isolation element featuring a pad portion and an upstanding reinforcing profile made of stiffer material, which distributes loads over a larger area and provides additional bending resistance, preventing excessive compression and deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a loose vibration isolating pad is placed below the clamp, then vibration isolation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates leading to misalignment and reduced effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transferVSAvoidpad positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolating pad is merged with the clamp structure by integrating it into the channel body, eliminating the loose component and ensuring precise, consistent positioning without misalignment during installation or tightening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pad acts as an intermediary element between the clamp and the floor, providing vibration isolation while being precisely positioned through integration with the clamp structure rather than being a separate loose component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the passage hole diameter is larger than the riser pipe diameter, then installation flexibility is improved, but clamp flange support length decreases leading to excessive loading and potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation adaptabilityVSAvoidclamp flange load bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The load distribution is extended from a one-dimensional line contact (clamp flange edge) to a two-dimensional area contact by introducing the channel body that distributes loads over its entire width and length, compensating for the reduced support length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the semi-circular sections for clamping the pipe, the straight sections for structural support, and the channel body for load distribution and vibration isolation, allowing each to optimize its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Force

If high compressive stress is applied to retain the riser, then clamp holding force is improved, but vibration isolation effectiveness deteriorates due to excessive compression of the isolating member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamp holding forceVSAvoidvibration isolation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The load distribution transitions from concentrated line contact to distributed area contact through the channel body, reducing compressive stress intensity while maintaining total holding force, thereby preserving vibration isolation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation element combines different materials with complementary properties: the channel body provides structural strength and load distribution, while the vibration isolating material (such as rubber or elastomer) provides vibration damping, creating a composite structure that handles both high loads and vibration isolation

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

The solution effectively isolates vibrations by distributing loads and preventing deformation, ensuring reliable vibration isolation and secure clamp positioning.

Implementation Method 1

a profile of vibration isolating material comprising a pad portion, which pad portion, in use, is located below the corresponding clamp flange for resiliently supporting it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

pad portion, which pad portion, in use, is located below the corresponding clamp flange for resiliently supporting it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient support: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3698076B1Riser clamp with a vibration isolation element
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 J VAN WALRAVEN HLDG BV
  • EP3698076B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3698076B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An isolation element for a riser clamp has two opposed clamp halves made of metal strip. Each of said clamp halves has a semi-circular section placed opposite each other against a riser pipe extending through a passage hole in a floor. The clamp halves have at the ends of its semi-circular section outwardly extending clamp flanges to be tightened towards the corresponding opposing clamp flanges of the other clamp half. The riser clamp is in use supported from beneath by a support structure e.g. a floor. The isolation element is adapted to be provided on at least one of two opposing damp flanges and to extend only along said at least one clamp flange. The isolation element includes a profile of vibration isolating material comprising a pad portion, which pad portion in use is located below the corresponding clamp flange for resiliency supporting it, and further comprising at least one upstanding portion extending along the corresponding clamp flange, wherein said upstanding portion is attachable to the corresponding clamp flange. The isolation element furthermore includes a reinforcing profile made of a stiffer material than the vibration isolating material. The reinforcing profile has an angular shape comprising a web and a first flange which are joined at an angle portion, wherein the first flange of the reinforcing profile is associated with the pad portion and wherein the web is associated with the upstanding portion of the isolation element.