Security Flange Tensioning for Pipe Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water supply pipes in homes and commercial buildings often go unsecured during installation and can loosen over time due to vibrations and pressure fluctuations, leading to leaks that cause costly damage and require extensive repairs.
Innovation Solution
A security flange system that holds the water supply pipe in tension using a coupling mechanism, such as a cable tie or hose clamp with a ratchet mechanism, to secure the pipe against the wall, reducing movement and vibration, and optionally includes a compressible seal and caulk for additional sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a decorative flange is used to cover the hole and seal around the pipe, then the aesthetic appearance and water sealing are improved, but the pipe remains unsecured and continues to vibrate and loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated security flange assembly. The security flange incorporates both the decorative covering function and the pipe securing function in one component. The coupling mechanism integrates the tensioning system, compression elements, and sealing features into a unified structure that simultaneously achieves aesthetic appearance, water sealing, and reliable pipe security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security flange is designed as a multi-functional component that performs several roles: it covers the wall opening for aesthetic purposes, provides water sealing around the pipe, secures the pipe through tension and compression forces, and dampens vibrations. This universal design eliminates the need for separate decorative flanges, sealing materials, and pipe securing mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the pipe is left unsecured to simplify installation, then the installation process is faster and easier, but the pipe vibrates and knocks against surfaces causing damage and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The security flange is designed to be installed simultaneously with the pipe, securing the pipe in place during the initial installation process rather than requiring a separate securing step later. The coupling mechanism is pre-configured with tensioning elements that immediately secure the pipe when the flange is installed, preventing vibration and knocking from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The security flange incorporates vibration dampening features and compression elements that are built into the structure before installation. These features provide immediate cushioning and stabilization to the pipe, preventing the harmful vibrations and knocking that would otherwise occur during normal operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional caulking is used to seal the flange to the wall, then the sealing is simple to apply, but it does not provide sufficient structural support to hold the pipe in tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and the structural support function into a single integrated security flange system. The flange incorporates both sealing elements (such as gaskets or sealant interfaces) and structural coupling mechanisms that work together to provide both watertight sealing and strong tension holding capability in one component assembly.
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 security flange system effectively prevents pipe vibrations and leaks by maintaining the pipe in tension, reducing the risk of damage to drywall and supporting structures, thereby minimizing costly repairs and preventing mold growth.
Implementation Method 1
hold the water supply pipe in tension
Implementation Method 2
dampen vibration
Implementation Method 3
hold the security flange in compression against the security wall outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a flange device, system, and method configured to securing and stabilizing a water supply pipe. The system includes a security wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a water supply pipe opening; a water supply pipe traversing through the security wall water supply pipe opening, the water supply pipe having a proximal portion projecting away from the security wall inner surface and a distal portion projecting away from the security wall outer surface; a security flange concentrically disposed around the distal portion of the water supply pipe and abutting against the security wall outer surface; and a system coupling mechanism configured to couple the security flange through the water supply pipe opening to the water supply pipe, the coupling mechanism further configured to hold the security flange in compression against the security wall outer surface and hold the water supply pipe in tension.