Seismic Pipe Attachment with Stop Collar to Avoid Clamp Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seismic supporting systems for non-structural components in buildings often apply excessive compressive force, leading to structural damage and inability to secure components like metal pipes and plastics that cannot withstand such loads, while also failing to inhibit movement effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of attachment devices with non-structural component holders that apply no compressive force, using stops and collars to secure non-structural components without deformation, and fastening components like adhesives to inhibit movement relative to the structural components, preventing over-compression and allowing for seismic movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional clamps are used to secure non-structural components, then the components are restrained from movement, but excessive compressive force is applied causing structural damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring effectivenessVSAvoidcompressive force damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary attachment device consisting of a collar and stop mechanism that mediates between the sway brace and the non-structural component. The collar fits around the component while the stop provides restraint, distributing forces without concentrating compressive loads on the component itself, thereby securing the component without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional direct clamping mechanical system with a stop-based restraint system. Instead of using compressive clamping force to secure the component, the system uses a stop that limits movement in one direction while allowing natural expansion and contraction, substituting the mechanical clamping action with a限位 (limiting) action that does not damage the component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional clamps apply compressive force to inhibit movement, then stability is improved, but the non-structural component cannot withstand the load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement inhibitionVSAvoidcomponent load capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the non-structural component to move freely within the collar up to the stop point. During seismic events, the component can expand and contract naturally, and the attachment device adapts its restraint level - providing minimal resistance during normal operation and maximum restraint when the stop is engaged, thus maintaining stability without exceeding component strength limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop mechanism acts as a pre-positioned cushion or limit that prevents excessive movement before it can cause damage. By positioning the stop in advance at a safe distance from the component, the system ensures that even under seismic loads, the component will not be forced beyond its structural capacity, cushioning it against potential damage through pre-planned movement limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If rigid attachment methods are used to prevent movement, then securing strength is improved, but seismic movement capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidseismic movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts its restraint characteristics. The collar provides a loose fit that allows seismic movement, while the stop provides rigid restraint when needed. This dynamic behavior enables the system to exhibit both flexibility during earthquakes and strength during normal operation, achieving adaptability without sacrificing attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11661759B2Attachment device for a non-structural component of a building

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

An attachment device for securing a non-structural component of a building to a structural component of the building includes a non-structural component holder defining a receiving space configured to receive the non-structural component to couple the non-structural component to the attachment device. The non-structural component holder applies generally no compressive force against the non-structural component when the non-structural component is disposed in the receiving space so that the non-structural component is free to move relative to the non-structural component holder. A stop is configured to be secured to the non-structural component. The stop is configured to engage the non-structural component holder to inhibit movement of the non-structural component relative to the non-structural component holder when the stop and non-structural component holder are secured to the non-structural component.