Flexible Tape Pipe Hanger with Rotating Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe hanger systems for wastewater collection in crawl spaces are prone to instability due to makeshift supports that crumble in humid environments and are affected by climatic factors, leading to pipe displacement and connection failures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe hanger system comprising a rectilinear tape with attachment means to the floor and a second section that can be elastically closed into a loop, forming a rotating collar around the pipe, with abutment means to minimize friction and a clamp for secure attachment, allowing for tool-free assembly and adjustable slope fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If makeshift supports (loosely cemented concrete blocks) are used to fix pipe positions, then installation is simple and quick, but the supports crumble under humid conditions and ground modification, leading to pipe displacement and connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical support system (concrete blocks resting on ground) with a suspension system using tapes attached to the floor structure. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of ground-based supports by anchoring pipes to a stable overhead structure, while maintaining installation simplicity through the use of flexible, easy-to-attach tapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of support location from ground-level (prone to humidity and erosion) to overhead floor attachment (stable and protected). This parameter change transforms the support environment from deteriorating to durable, resolving the contradiction between simple installation and long-term reliability.
2Device complexity
If pipes are supported only by connections to downspouts, then the support structure is simplified, but the pipe weight causes connections to give way and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support function into two independent components: overhead suspension tapes that bear the pipe weight, and downspout connections that provide drainage functionality. This segmentation relieves the downspout connections from bearing structural load, preventing connection failure while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces suspension tapes as an intermediary support element between the floor structure and the pipes. This intermediary carries the pipe weight, freeing the downspout connections from structural stress and preventing connection failure, while adding minimal complexity to the system.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed pipe positions are used to maintain gravity flow slope, then proper drainage gradient is achieved, but the pipes cannot adapt to ground movements and climatic factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic suspension elements (flexible tapes) that allow pipes to move slightly in response to environmental changes while maintaining their suspended position. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to ground movements and climatic factors while preserving the gravity flow slope through proper initial installation and the self-adjusting nature of the suspension system.
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 system provides a durable and efficient solution for wastewater collection networks by allowing free rotation of the collar and secure attachment to the floor, significantly increasing installation speed and durability compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a second section of tape capable of being elastically closed on itself in a loop
Implementation Method 2
friction of the edges of the narrowed part on the edge of each circular part with a hard point when the head of the first tape is transverse to the second tape
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The line has a rectilinear strip section (1) having perforations at a lower end of the section. Notches delimit a shrunk part (6) of the section above which a distal part (7) is placed, where the distal part form a head with same width as that of existing width of the strip. Another strip section (10) is elastically closed with covering of ends (13, 14). Each end has through hole (15, 16) whose width ranges between the width of the part (6) and the head and whose length is specific such that dimensions of a passage in a closing direction permits the head to cross two superposed ends.