Scissor Pipe Clamp with Angled Bolt Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps struggle to securely attach pipes to structural channels, especially when multiple pipes are arranged closely side-by-side, as they rely solely on clamping force above the pipe and often require complex bending or twisting of connection ends, which can reduce strength and make access difficult for tightening bolts.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clamp assembly with a pair of straps and a threaded fastener that spreads the connection ends apart to compressively secure the pipe to the channel, allowing for easy access and even load distribution, featuring an insertion extent and receiving aperture for the bolt, and a recessed stop to facilitate secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connection ends are bent or twisted to align with the pipe, then access to the bolt is improved, but the strength of the pipe clamp is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending or twisting the connection ends to achieve alignment, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the connection ends straight and perpendicular to the pipe, and instead aligning the bolt at an angle to access the connection ends. This maintains the full strength of the connection ends without compromising structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If unequal length pipe straps are used, then access to the bolt is improved, but stresses are unequally applied to each strap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the bolt positioning rather than in the strap lengths. The bolt is positioned at an angle relative to the perpendicular centerline, creating asymmetric access while maintaining symmetric, equal-length straps that distribute stress equally. This resolves the contradiction by applying asymmetry only where needed for access without compromising structural balance.
3Reliability
If connection ends are compressed together above the pipe, then the pipe is secured to the channel, but no inward compressive force is placed on the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional compression approach (compressing connection ends together above the pipe) to a two-dimensional approach where the bolt applies force both vertically (to secure the pipe to the channel) and horizontally (to apply inward compressive force on the pipe through the straps). This dimensional change allows simultaneous achievement of both objectives.
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 provides a secure and easy-to-install pipe clamp that can support multiple pipes in close proximity by evenly distributing loads and allowing central access to the bolt, enhancing stability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
An elongate threaded fastener is engageable with the connection ends of the straps to secure the article to the channel. The threaded fastener is progressively threaded through the connection end so as to be engageable with the one connection end to spread the connection ends apart to thereby compressively secure the pipe straps about the article and to the channel.
Implementation Method 2
The threaded fastener is progressively threaded through the connection end so as to be engageable with the one connection end to spread the connection ends apart to thereby compressively secure the pipe straps about the article and to the channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe clamp secures an elongate article such as a pipe to as structural channel. The pipe clamp includes a pair of elongate pipe straps each having one end for securement to the structural channel and an opposed end mutually interconnectable. The opposed end of one of the pipe straps is insertable into an aperture in the opposed end of the other pipe strap. A threaded fastener movably couples the ends to compressively secure the pipe strap to the structural channel about the article.