Sway Brace Retaining Clip Prevents Pipe Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sway braces for piping systems fail to prevent deformation and slippage under test loads, particularly in seismic disturbances, which is a requirement for underwriters' standards.
Innovation Solution
A sway brace clamp with a rod and retaining clip design that securely connects a pipeline to a brace pipe, preventing movement between the bracing ends and ensuring no deformation by linking the first and second bracing ends and rod ends together, using a retaining clip to maintain the connection between the pipeline and the brace pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sway brace includes a clamp and brace pipe to connect pipeline to structure, then the piping system gains seismic bracing capability, but the clamp may exhibit deformation or slippage under test loads
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate components: a U-shaped rod that provides the clamping structure, and a retaining clip that secures the rod ends. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the rod for structural support and the clip for preventing slippage and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip acts as an intermediary element that connects the first and second bracing ends of the rod, preventing relative movement between them. This intermediary component ensures that the rod maintains its structural integrity under load without direct connection of the rod ends themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rod is designed to accept both pipeline and brace pipe, then the device achieves versatility in connection, but the structural integrity may be compromised under seismic loads
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the rod are given different functions: the U-shaped portion is optimized for accepting and securing the pipeline with appropriate curvature and contact surfaces, while the extended ends are designed for brace pipe insertion and connection. This local differentiation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sway brace clamp includes a rod having a first rod end, a second rod end, a first bracing end, and a second bracing end, the rod defining a pipeline connection portion sized to accept a pipeline and a brace pipe connecting portion sized to accept a brace pipe; and a retaining clip connecting the first bracing end of the rod to the second bracing end of the rod.