Sliding Pipe Mount for Fast Vertical Plumbing Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current plumbing solutions for connecting prefabricated plumbing arrangement elements in vertical pipelines are time-consuming and require skilled labor, especially when aligning and connecting pipes through floor structures, which can lead to installation errors and leaks due to confined and difficult workspaces.

Innovation Solution

A pipe mount system with an elastic member, such as a spring, that allows for easy and secure connection of pipe sections without external tools, enabling vertical movement to form a continuous pipeline by aligning and securing connecting pipes into fittings, thus simplifying on-site installations and reducing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional plumbing installation methods are used to connect prefabricated plumbing arrangement elements, then connections can be made, but the process is time-consuming and requires skilled labor with precision work in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoiddifficulty of connection operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe mount is designed to be movable along the pipe section, allowing it to be positioned at different locations to facilitate connection operations. The mount can be moved to expose different portions of the pipe, making it easier for workers to access and connect pipes even in confined spaces, thereby improving both installation speed and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe mount acts as an intermediary device between the pipe section and the connection fitting. It provides a stable platform and positioning mechanism that simplifies the connection process, reducing the need for skilled precision work while maintaining connection quality and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pipes are aligned and connected through floor structures in confined spaces, then vertical pipelines can be formed, but installation errors and leaks may occur due to difficult workspace

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of alignment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe mount is pre-positioned on the pipe section before the connection operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the pipe is correctly aligned and stable during the connection process, reducing the risk of misalignment errors and leaks while simplifying the overall alignment procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex manual alignment mechanisms with a simpler pipe mount system that provides inherent positioning and stabilization. This substitution reduces alignment complexity while improving connection reliability by eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment procedures in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If prefabricated plumbing arrangement elements are used, then factory pre-installation eliminates some on-site precision work, but skilled work is still needed for aligning and connecting pipes through floor structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of on-site installationVSAvoidskill level required for connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe mount is designed to be self-positioning and self-stabilizing on the pipe section. It automatically provides the correct positioning and support without requiring skilled workers to perform complex alignment operations, thereby reducing the skill level needed while maintaining ease of installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe mount serves as an intermediary that simplifies the connection process between prefabricated elements. It provides a user-friendly interface that eliminates the need for skilled precision work in aligning and connecting pipes, making the installation process easier while maintaining connection quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 pipe mount system facilitates fast, error-free connections and extensions of pre-insulated pipes to ceiling level, minimizing on-site insulation work and improving installation quality by allowing tool-free fittings and reduced personnel effort, ensuring secure and watertight joints.

Implementation Method 1

A pipe mount system with an elastic member, such as a spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3219867B1Plumbing arrangement element with a pipe mount and method of connecting mounting pipes of plumbing arrangement elements

Publication Date: 2022.07.27 UPONOR INNOVATION AB

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

A pipe mount (1) for connecting pipe sections (60a, 60b) is disclosed. The pipe mount (1) comprises a sliding member (20) movably attached to a plumbing arrangement element (8a, 8b). The sliding member (20) extends in the vertical direction of the plumbing arrangement element (8a, 8b), and it is vertically movable between an extreme position and a second position. The pipe mount (1) further comprises at least one pipe bracket (41) for securing the pipe sections onto the sliding member (20). A system and a method for connecting pipe sections are also disclosed.