Sway Brace Assembly Link for Pipe Orientation Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sway brace systems for utility piping face challenges in securely attaching pipes to non-uniform building structures, particularly when the structure is askew, leading to difficulties in achieving a close and stable fit during seismic events.
Innovation Solution
A sway brace assembly comprising a plate clamp with opposed jaws, a pipe clamp, and a short link that allows the pipe to be positioned immediately adjacent to the depending flange of a web joist, accommodating variations in orientation and providing enhanced resistance against movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional plate clamp with pivot mounting is used to attach pipe clamp to building structure, then the pipe can be positioned close to the structure, but the system cannot accommodate variations in orientation when the structure is askew
Solution Approach 1:
The link is designed as a movable connector that pivots at both ends, allowing it to dynamically adjust its angle and position. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate variations in orientation when the building structure is askew, while still maintaining close positioning between the pipe and structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The link acts as an intermediary element between the plate clamp (attached to building structure) and the pipe clamp (attached to pipe). This intermediary component absorbs and compensates for orientation misalignments, allowing the pipe to be positioned close to the structure even when the structure is not perfectly uniform.
2Manufacturing precision
If hardware is designed specifically for specified pipe size with tight tolerances, then precise fit is achieved, but adaptability to non-uniform building structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sway brace assembly is divided into separate functional components: a plate clamp for attaching to the building structure, a link for connecting and accommodating misalignment, and a pipe clamp for securing the pipe. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing adaptability to non-uniform structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The link provides dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for variations in building structure orientation. This dynamic element allows the rigid pipe clamp (designed for precise pipe fit) to still achieve proper positioning even when the building structure is askew.
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 assembly effectively secures utility pipes close to the building structure, ensuring stability and minimizing leakage during seismic disturbances by allowing for adjustments in pipe placement and orientation, thereby enhancing the resistance to dynamic loads.
Implementation Method 1
A link pivotally mounted between the plate clamp and the pipe clamp allows a pipe in the pipe clamp to extend immediately adjacent the depending flange
Data Source
AI summary
A building structure includes a web joist having a beam element with a laterally extending flange and a depending flange. A sway brace is attached to the laterally extending flange using a plate clamp with fixed and opposed screw jaws to grip the flange. A pipe clamp having a circumferential body which can tighten to retain a pipe is arranged so that the axis of the pipe extends beneath the depending flange of the beam element. A link, pivotally mounted at each end, extends between an upper portion of the plate clamp and the pipe clamp. The plate clamp is locked in place, the pipe is moved to the proximity of the depending flange and the pipe clamp is locked as far from the plate clamp as possible.