Saddle Pipe Support Clip Structure for Stable Channel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional saddle pipe supports lack a secure and stable connection to the U-shaped channel, which can lead to instability and potential damage to insulated pipes during installation and use.
Innovation Solution
A saddle pipe support with a body portion featuring an arcuate bottom floor, upwardly projecting sidewalls, and downwardly projecting channel clips with barb portions that securely engage the U-shaped channel, providing both axial and lateral stability through transverse structural ribs and stabilizing flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional saddle pipe supports are used to support insulated pipes, then the pipe support structure is simple, but the connection between the saddle pipe support and the channel is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle pipe support is divided into distinct functional segments: the body portion for receiving the pipe, multiple channel clips for channel engagement, and stabilizing flanges for lateral support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, creating a stable connection without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel clips are integrated into the body portion in a nested manner, with the clips forming part of the overall saddle structure. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a unified component rather than requiring separate attached elements, maintaining simplicity while improving connection reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional saddle pipe supports are used, then installation is straightforward, but the support connection lacks security and may damage insulation tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The channel clips feature localized engagement points with the channel, concentrating the securement force at specific locations rather than distributing it broadly. This localized engagement provides secure connection while controlling stress points to prevent damage to the insulation tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing flanges and channel clips are designed to work together dynamically, where the flanges provide lateral stability that complements the vertical engagement of the clips. This dynamic interaction between components enhances connection security while maintaining ease of installation through a coordinated design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the saddle pipe support uses basic attachment methods, then the structure remains simple, but axial and lateral stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The channel clips and stabilizing flanges are merged into a single integrated body portion, creating a unified support structure that provides both axial and lateral stability simultaneously. This combination eliminates the need for separate attachment components, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving enhanced stability in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing flanges extend laterally from the body portion, adding a lateral dimension to the support capability. This dimensional extension provides lateral stability that complements the axial support function, creating comprehensive stability without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe support is coupled to an elongated channel for receiving and supporting a pipe. The channel includes a base and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending from the base to a top plate. A flange projects downwardly from each top plate towards the base and defines a slot therebetween. The pipe support includes a body portion extending axially between opposite ends and having an inner surface and an outer surface. The body portion includes a generally arcuate bottom floor and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls projecting generally upwardly from the bottom floor. A plurality of axially spaced apart channel clips project downwardly from the outer surface of the body portion opposite the side walls. The channel clips have a leg portion and an outwardly projecting barb portion wherein the channel clips extend through the slot in the channel and the barb portions engage the respective spaced apart flanges to operatively couple the pipe support to the channel.