Universal Pipe Bracket with Adjustable Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current brackets are inadequate for mounting equipment on industrial pipes, as they often require costly custom-built support systems that can corrode and cannot be mounted on insulated pipes without damaging the insulation or causing heat transfer.

Innovation Solution

A universal support bracket with a saddle and adjustable connector that can be securely attached to industrial pipes of various diameters, featuring a heat-resistant rail for mounting equipment at a distance from the pipe, allowing for insulation preservation and preventing heat transfer through an outer insulation barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If custom-built support systems are welded to structural steel, then equipment can be mounted on industrial pipes, but the support systems are subject to corrosion from chemicals and incur high costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket introduces an intermediary structure consisting of a saddle that contacts the pipe and a rail that supports the equipment, separating the equipment from direct contact with corrosive environments while eliminating the need for welded structural steel support systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed as a universal support system that can be applied to various pipe diameters and equipment types without requiring custom-built welded structures, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining corrosion resistance through material selection and design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If brackets are mounted directly on insulated pipes, then equipment can be supported on the pipes, but the insulation liner may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinsulation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle is designed with a contoured bottom surface that conforms to the curved surface of insulated pipes, distributing contact pressure evenly across the insulation surface and preventing damage while enabling direct mounting on insulated pipes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle's bottom surface is contoured to match the cylindrical geometry of pipes, ensuring uniform contact and pressure distribution that protects the insulation liner from concentrated loads and damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Area of stationary object

If equipment is mounted close to industrial pipes, then space is saved, but heat transfer occurs to the mounted equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting spaceVSAvoidheat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The rail acts as an intermediary element that positions the equipment at an optimized distance from the pipe, providing thermal isolation while minimizing space usage through its linear geometry and efficient space utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable connectors are used to accommodate various pipe diameters, then the bracket becomes versatile, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe diameter accommodationVSAvoidconnector adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates adjustable elements that can be modified to accommodate different pipe diameters, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to varying conditions while maintaining reasonable complexity through controlled adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables secure and versatile mounting of equipment on industrial pipes without damaging insulation or causing heat transfer, accommodating a range of pipe sizes and types, and maintaining equipment at a safe distance from the pipes, thus extending equipment lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a base having an arcuate bottom pipe engaging surface adapted to be positioned against an outer surface of a pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure distribution:

Implementation Method 2

without heat transfer to the items mounted on the bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS7520477B2Bracket for industrial piping

Publication Date: 2009.04.21 NOSEWORTHY JIM

AI summary

A bracket adapted to be releasably mounted on industrial pipes of various diameters to support various pieces of equipment at a certain distance away from the pipes. The bracket comprises a base having an arcuate bottom pipe engaging surface adapted to be positioned against an outer surface of a pipe. Banding is provided for releasably securing the base in place on the pipe. An upstanding rail extends at right angles from the base for adjustably receiving therealong a fastening device carrying an accessory to be mounted on the pipe.