Self-Locking Pipe Hanger for Fastener-Free Tube Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe hangers require threaded fasteners, which are labor-intensive to install, prone to contamination, and difficult to clean, and often necessitate multiple hands and specialized knowledge for proper assembly.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking, spring-loaded, fastener-less pipe hanger with pivoting arms and a latch mechanism that automatically locks into place without the need for threaded fasteners, allowing for easy installation and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded fasteners are used to secure the hanger to the pipe, then the hanger can be securely attached, but the installation becomes labor-intensive and requires multiple hands and specialized knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes threaded fasteners entirely from the hanger assembly, extracting the problematic element that caused labor-intensive installation. The fastener-less design eliminates the need for tools, multiple hands, and specialized knowledge while maintaining secure attachment through a different mechanism involving spring-loaded arms and friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger assembly is designed to be self-installing without requiring external fasteners or tools. The spring-loaded arms automatically engage with the pipe when the hanger is positioned, and the friction between the arms and pipe provides self-locking without threaded connections, enabling single-handed installation.
2Strength
If threaded fasteners are used, then the hanger can be securely fastened, but contamination can occur and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates threaded fasteners and hidden crevices from the design, removing the sources where contamination can accumulate. The smooth, fastener-less surfaces allow for easy cleaning and reduce contamination risks while maintaining secure fastening through friction and spring pressure.
3Strength
If threaded fasteners are used, then the hanger can be securely attached, but loose parts may become dropped or lost during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the hanger body by using spring-loaded arms that are permanently attached to the housing. This eliminates loose fasteners that could be dropped or lost, as all components are built-in and remain attached during installation and use.
4Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the hanger, then the attachment is more secure, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple fasteners and reduces the assembly to a fastener-less design with integrated spring-loaded arms. This simplifies the device by eliminating separate fastening components while maintaining secure attachment through the elastic arms and friction mechanism.
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 hanger provides a secure, easy-to-install, and cleanable solution for supporting pipes and tubes, eliminating the need for loose parts and reducing installation complexity and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a self-locking, spring-loaded, fastener-less hanger for a pipe or tube is provided. The hanger has a housing, a pair of arms connected to the housing with pivot pins, and a latch mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Thread-less and fastener-less hangers for a pipe or tube are provided. The hanger has arms that can be pivoted to an open position for receiving insertion of a pipe or tube between the arms, and to a closed position, in which the arms are positioned to grip and hold the pipe or tube. When the arms are in the closed position, a latch or cam mechanism engages the arms in a manner that locks the arms in the closed position thereby preventing pivoting of the arms and release of the pipe or tube. Hanger assemblies and methods of securing a pipe or tube to a hanger are also provided.