Slidable Pipe Hanger Bracket for Adjustable Plumbing Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing support brackets lack universal adjustability and rigidity, making it difficult to position pipes accurately between building members, and require labor-intensive soldering, which can lead to leaks due to galvanic action.
Innovation Solution
A pipe hanger system with flexible brackets and a slidable pipe connection member that can be fixed in place using clamping members and elastomeric ferrules or collets, providing rigidity and eliminating the need for soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional plumbing support brackets are used with multiple pipe receiving openings, then some pipe positions can be accommodated, but the bracket lacks universal adjustability and cannot guarantee precise pipe positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a slidable pipe connection member that can move along the bracket length and be fixed at any position. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the static multiple openings approach, providing continuous position adjustment while maintaining precise positioning through the sliding mechanism's engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding pipe connection member provides universal adjustability along the entire bracket length, allowing the same bracket design to accommodate any pipe position requirement. This single universal mechanism replaces the need for multiple specific openings at different locations, achieving both adaptability and precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bracket is fastened to studs and pipe opening positions are fixed, then the bracket structure is stable, but the bracket must be taken down and relocated if no opening is in the desired position, increasing installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connection member is designed to slide along the fastened bracket and be secured at the desired position. This eliminates the need to relocate the entire bracket, allowing installation workers to simply slide and fix the connection member at the correct position, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining bracket stability.
3Strength
If pipes are soldered to the bracket to fix them in position, then the pipe is securely attached, but the process is labor intensive and can result in pipe failure due to galvanic action from copper oxide coating
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the soldering process with a mechanical sliding and securing mechanism. The pipe connection member slides along the bracket and is fixed using mechanical engagement features, eliminating the need for soldering operations. This reduces installation complexity and labor requirements while maintaining secure attachment through the mechanical sliding fixation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding pipe connection member acts as an intermediary between the pipe and the bracket, providing a secure mechanical connection without direct soldering. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the galvanic action problem caused by copper oxide coating while maintaining strong attachment through the sliding engagement system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If thin coplanar straps are used to allow valve movement along mounting straps, then universal adjustment is achieved, but the fixture lacks rigidity and allows in and out movement of the valve and supply pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connection member is designed with sliding capability along the bracket for position adjustment, combined with a securing mechanism that locks it in place. This provides the necessary rigidity to prevent in-and-out movement while maintaining the ability to adjust to any desired position along the bracket length.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe hanger system includes a pair of brackets and a pipe connection member selectively slidable along the brackets. The brackets each preferably include an elongate leg and a foot extending outwardly from the leg at a first end thereof. The leg of each bracket is preferably longer than the distance between the building members. The feet of the brackets are first fastened to an inside surface of the first building member. The pipe connection member can then be slid into the desired position and fastened in place. The legs of the brackets are then bent outwardly and secured to the inside surface of the second building member.