Side-Insert Pipe Hanger with Automatic Closing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe hangers require clips that fit around the pipe lengthwise, causing assembly issues in restricted spaces, as the pipe needs to be fed through clips, which can be cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A hanger design with a first part mountable on a support and a second part that is pivotally connected, allowing the pipe to be fed in from the side, with a closing member that automatically moves the second part to a closed position when the pipe is inserted, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If clips are arranged in position and pipe is fed through lengthwise, then the pipe can be secured, but assembly becomes cumbersome in restricted spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of feeding the pipe through the clip from one end (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by allowing the pipe to be inserted from the side through an access opening. The closing member then moves to close over the pipe, securing it in place. This inversion of the assembly sequence simplifies installation in restricted spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger is divided into two separate parts: a first part that is mountable on a support and a second part that is movably connected to the first part. This segmentation allows the second part to be positioned independently and moved between open and closed positions, facilitating easier assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If separate assembly steps are used to close the hanger, then secure closure is achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closing member is operable by the article (pipe) itself to move the second part to the closed position. As the pipe is inserted into the article receiving space, it automatically actuates the closing member, which then moves the second part to secure the pipe. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual closing steps, reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The closing member is pre-positioned to engage the article as it is moved into the space. This preliminary positioning ensures that the closing action occurs automatically during the insertion process itself, rather than requiring a separate subsequent step to close the hanger after insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9377134B2Hanger for an elongate article

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 GRIPPLE LTD

AI summary

A hanger (10) for an elongate article comprises an article holding arrangement, which includes a first part (16) mountable on a support, and a second part (18) movably connected to the first part. The second part (18) is moveable relative to the first part (16) between open and closed positions. A securing arrangement is provided for securing the second part (18) in the closed position. A closing member (36) is operable by the article to move the second part (18) to the closed position.